Unsigned Wandering Hours Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1820
This unsigned silver manual-wind pocket watch, documented by Antiquorum as originating in Switzerland circa 1820, features a wandering hours time display. Measuring 59 mm in diameter, the piece displays an upper white enamel minute sector graduated from 0 to 60.
Beneath the sector scale, a rotating framework carries revolving hour numerals that indicate the passing minutes as they transit across the arc. The catalog reports a 51 mm gilt brass movement incorporating four jewels, an unusual bridge calibre, a large free-standing barrel, a cylinder escapement, and a jewelled balance with a flat balance spring.
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
- Circa 1820
- Type
- Calendar & astronomical watch
- Case Diameter
- 59 mm
- Case Material
- Silver
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Caliber Description
- 51 mm., 4 jewels, gilt brass, unusual bridge calibre, large free-standing barrel, cylinder escapement, flat balance spring, balance jewelled
Design
- Visible features
- • Arched white enamel sector dial graduated with Arabic numerals and markers from 0 to 60 minutes • Open front displaying a central gilt brass wheel and rotating satellites with skeletonized Arabic hour numerals • Silver case with top pendant and round suspension bow at 12 o'clock • Gilt brass dial plate secured by visible blued and polished screws
- Case Construction
- The watch is housed in a large silver case measuring 59 mm in diameter. Visible physical features include a top pendant and a round suspension bow located at 12 o'clock. The catalog assesses the case grade as "2-8 Very good Slightly scratched." Specific internal hallmarks or casemaker stamps are not recorded in this source.
- Dial Configuration and Display
- The timepiece employs a wandering hours layout configured with an arched white enamel sector graduated with Arabic numerals and minute markers from 0 to 60. The open front displays a central gilt brass wheel carrying rotating satellites with skeletonized Arabic hour numerals that indicate passing minutes across the arc. The supporting dial plate is rendered in gilt brass and secured by visible blued and polished screws beneath the enamel sector.
- Movement Specifications and Catalog Attribution
- The auction catalog attributes the unsigned manual-wind watch to Switzerland with a dating of circa 1820. The movement is documented as a 51 mm gilt brass bridge calibre incorporating 4 jewels, an unusual bridge design, a large free-standing barrel, a cylinder escapement, a jewelled balance, and a flat balance spring. Because internal images of the movement bridges and train are not shown in the primary photograph, these mechanical details rely strictly on the auctioneer's catalog listing. The movement is graded in the catalog as "3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense."
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: Attributed to Switzerland and dated circa 1820 by the auction house; movement is unsigned
- Research required: Movement bridges and inner case marks are not visible in the provided photograph