Swiss keyless astronomical world time pocket watch for Marcks & Co. Ltd
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This 18K gold keyless pocket watch, produced in Switzerland circa 1890 for the retailer Marcks & Co. Ltd of Bombay and Poona, features an astronomical complication.
The timepiece is a double-face construction with a diameter of 55 mm. The front white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, subsidiary dials for the days, dates, and months, an inner subsidiary seconds dial, and a moon phase aperture with an age-of-the-moon border. The reverse white enamel dial provides world time indications for seven cities: Paris, London, St. Petersburg, Calcutta, Melbourne, Vienna, and Berlin. The watch is powered by a rhodium-plated, 17-jewel movement with fausses cotes decoration, a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring.
The watch is housed in a three-piece, bassine-shaped polished case with a glazed back to reveal the reverse display. It is signed on the bezel.
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
- Type
- Calendar & astronomical watch
- Material
- 18K gold
- Dimensions
- 55 mm
- Escapement
- Straight line lever
- Serial number
- 0213
- Dial condition
- Chipped and partially reprinted
- Maker/Retailer
- Marcks & Co. Ltd
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement details
- Rhodium plated, 17 jewels, fausses cotes decoration
- Maker / attribution
- Marcks & Co. Ltd (retailer)
Design
- Visible features
- • Front dial features an anthropomorphic moon phase display • Reverse dial displays seven global cities for world time • Blued-steel spade hands are used for time indication • Case is of a bassine profile with a polished finish
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch features a three-piece, massive 18K gold case constructed in a bassine form, characterized by its polished surfaces. A notable feature of the case design is the glazed back, which allows for the viewing of the dual-face configuration. The primary dial is executed in white enamel, marked with Roman numerals. It incorporates multiple subsidiary indicators, including the days of the week, calendar dates, and months, alongside an inner subsidiary seconds display. An aperture for the moon phase is also present, featuring an age scale along its border. The reverse side of the watch reveals a secondary white enamel dial dedicated to world time functionality. This display is organized with seven small subsidiary dials, each indicating the time in specific international cities: Paris, London, St. Petersburg, Calcutta, Melbourne, Vienna, and Berlin. The timekeeping functions on both faces are executed using blued-steel spade hands, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across the double-face arrangement.
- Movement and Mechanics
- The internal mechanism is a 19-ligne movement finished in rhodium plating. The movement incorporates fausses cotes decoration and is built with 17 jewels. As a keyless watch, the winding and setting are managed through the crown. The signature of the piece is located on the bezel, connecting it to the retailer Marcks & Co. Ltd.
- Condition and Authenticity
- The auction description provides a detailed grading assessment of the object. The overall grading is designated as 'AA', classified as 'Very good'. The individual components were assessed: both the case and the movement were assigned a grade of 2, indicating 'Very good' condition. These assessments offer a professional perspective on the physical state of the watch prior to sale. Regarding the dial, the source reports condition issues including chips and partial reprints, assigned a grading of 25-28-51. The information provided by the auction house serves as the primary record for these specific condition details, noting that the watch remains an astronomical instrument requiring professional attention for full functionality.
Identification
- Serial number
- 0213
- 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: The dial is reported to have chips and partial reprints
- Research required: The movement is noted by the auction house as requiring an overhaul