Swiss Cylinder Pocket Watch with Hebrew Dial and Chain
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 20th century
This Swiss-made pocket watch, originating from the early 20th century, features a silver-plated open-face case paired with a matching 280 mm link chain. The watch is distinguished by its dial, which displays Hebrew numerals, and a case back decorated with a cast relief depicting Moses holding the Tablets of the Ten Commandments.
The dial is constructed from silver-plated metal, complemented by blued steel hands and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The case, pendant, and bow exhibit engraved and embossed ornamentation. The internal movement is a keyless, nickel-plated, three-quarter plate calibre utilizing a cylinder escapement. It includes a going barrel, a simple three-arm gold-plated balance, a blued steel hairspring, and a steel regulator.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- Early 20th century
- Type
- Open-face pocket watch
- Case type
- Open-face silver-plated
- Chain length
- 280 mm
- Movement type
- Cylinder escapement
- Maker location
- Switzerland
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case back motif
- Moses and Ten Commandments
- Dial indicators
- Hebrew numerals
- Movement finish
- Nickel-plated
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is presented in an open-face, silver-plated case that features decorative embossing on the bezel, middle case, and bow. The reverse side of the case incorporates a cast relief image depicting Moses holding the Tablets of the Ten Commandments, which serves as the primary visual focus of the exterior. The silver-plated dial displays Hebrew numerals in black, arranged in a traditional circular layout. Completing the timekeeping interface are blued steel hands and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the bottom of the face. The ensemble includes a 280 mm silver-plated chain consisting of interlocking links. A notable component of this chain is a six-pointed star pendant, which is also silver-plated and features Hebrew characters finished in black enamel.
- Visible features
- • Case features cast relief imagery of Moses with the Ten Commandments • Dial uses Hebrew characters for time indicators • Chain includes a six-pointed star pendant with black enamel • Movement is a keyless wind design
- Technical Condition
- The reported condition of the object focuses on the mechanical and cosmetic state of the watch and its accompanying chain. The seller has not provided specific details regarding the watch's current accuracy or its previous maintenance history. Prospective owners are advised to conduct a thorough technical inspection of critical components. This includes verifying the condition of the cylinder escapement teeth and pivots, assessing the integrity of the mainspring, and evaluating the degree of wear on the silver-plated finish of both the watch case and the attached chain.
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a keyless, nickel-plated, three-quarter plate movement. The caliber is designed around a cylinder escapement, a common type for this configuration, and includes a simple three-arm gold-plated balance paired with a blued steel hairspring. The mechanism is wound and adjusted via the stem, eliminating the need for a separate key. Technical control of the balance rate is facilitated by a steel regulator. The movement incorporates a going barrel to provide power to the gear train.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Current functional status and service history are unknown
- Research required: Extent of wear on silver-plated surfaces is not quantified