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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

1920s Stayte Pocket Watch by Tavannes

Partially verified

This is an open-face pocket watch dated to the 1920s and signed Stayte, an identified brand registered by Tavannes. The watch incorporates a Swiss seven-jewel stem-winding mechanical movement housed within an inner hinged protective cover. Its 50mm gold-plated case is the Empress model manufactured by the American Watch Case Company. The white dial features black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position, marked 'SWISS MADE' along the lower edge.

Front view of the gold-plated Stayte open-face pocket watch showing the dial, hands, crown, and bow
Front view of the gold-plated Stayte open-face pocket watch showing the dial, hands, crown, and bow — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company / Sellingantiques.co.uk. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Tavannes
Reference
SA1193858
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1920s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Provenance

The timepiece is identified as a 1920s-era pocket watch signed 'Stayte'. The movement is attributed to Tavannes, who is noted as having registered the brand name.

The watch is housed in a gold-plated case identified as the 'Empress' model, manufactured by the American Watch Case Company.

Evidence for this section
  • “1920s Stayte pocket watch by Tavannes.”
  • “The movement is signed Stayte, just one of the brand names registered by Tavannes.”
  • “The case is gold plated and is the Empress model made by the American Watch Case Company.”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a signed white dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track. The display includes blued steel hands and an off-center subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position.

The case is equipped with a top-winding fluted crown and an attached circular loop. The glass lens exhibits light surface scratches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The signed dial is in super condition with original blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and an outer minute track.”
  • “The glass lens has some light surface scratches although very acceptable.”
  • “The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the loop.”

Movement and Condition

The watch utilizes a Swiss seven-jewel stem-winding mechanical movement. An inner hinged cover protects the movement, showing surface marks indicative of previous access.

The exterior of the gold-plated case shows light surface markings.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a Swiss seven jewel stem-winding movement, identified as a Tavannes”
  • “The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which has some light surface where it has been opened in the past.”
  • “The case has light surface marking but overall it is in good condition.”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific manufacturer hallmarks or serial numbers located on the interior of the case back that confirm the American Watch Case Company production date?
  • Does the movement plate contain any additional identifiers or serial numbers beyond the 'Stayte' signature to verify its Tavannes origin?
  • What specific maintenance or service history, if any, is inscribed on the inner surface of the hinged protective cover?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1920s Stayte Pocket Watch by Tavannes
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementSwiss seven-jewel stem-winding movement“The watch has a Swiss seven jewel stem-winding movement, identified as a Tavannes, which is working well.”
Brand RegistrationStayte registered by Tavannes“The movement is signed Stayte, just one of the brand names registered by Tavannes.”
Case SpecificationEmpress model gold-plated case by the American Watch Case Company“The case is gold plated and is the Empress model made by the American Watch Case Company.”
Dimensions50mm diameter excluding crown and loop“The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the loop.”

Visible details

  • White dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer minute track
  • Blued steel hands and an off-centre subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Top-winding fluted crown with attached circular bow
  • Dial signed 'STAYTE' below 12 o'clock and 'SWISS MADE' flanking 6 o'clock
  • Smooth, polished gold-plated open-face case

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement caliber, jewel count, and case markings rely on dealer description as the movement is not visible in the primary photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1920s Gold Pocket Watch 1900 - 1920 | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fb1a53763c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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