Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Deck watch

Alexander Hüning Chronomètre de Bord deck watch

Partially verified

This large Geneva deck watch, inscribed 'Chronomètre de Bord' and retailed or finished by Alexander Hüning, dates to circa 1920 according to the auction house. It features a 60 mm smooth silver case stamped with punch mark 'F&H' in a shield and weighs 182 grams. The dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The movement is catalogued as a 47.5 mm caliber PD 3/4 plate mechanism with lever escapement and a Guillaume screw compensation balance, noted by the source as corresponding to Paul Ditisheim Type II observatory watches.

Dial view of the Alexander Hüning Chronomètre de Bord deck watch in silver case
Dial view of the Alexander Hüning Chronomètre de Bord deck watch in silver case — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Deck watch
Maker / attribution
Alexander Hüning
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
185
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
34628

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

Object Identity and Documentation

This deck watch is signed 'Chronomètre de Bord' and attributed to Alexander Hüning, a watchmaker active in Geneva. The source material identifies the watch as a 60 mm diameter timepiece, weighing 182 grams, with the movement and case sharing the serial number 34628.

The auction description draws parallels between the technical construction of this watch and those produced by the workshop of Paul Ditisheim. It notes that the movement is finished in the same manner as Ditisheim’s Type II observatory movements and that the silver hallmarks on the case suggest an intended market for export to Germany.

Evidence for this section
  • “A large Geneva deck watch "Chronomètre de Bord" Movm. No. 34628, Cal. PD 47,5 mm, Case No. 34628”
  • “The movement is constructed and finished in exactly the same way as P. Ditisheim’s Type II movement.”
  • “Judging by the silver hallmarks on the case, this fine piece was intended for export to Germany.”

Construction and Exterior

The watch is housed in a smooth circular silver case, described as having a top pendant and circular bow. The case features a punch mark reading 'F&H' in a shield, which the source attributes to Alexander Hüning. The winding crown is described as fluted and gold-toned.

The enamel dial is detailed with black Roman numerals and an outer railway-style minute track. It is equipped with blued steel hands and a sunken subsidiary seconds dial located above the 6 o'clock position, which features Arabic numerals at 10-second intervals.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Silver, smooth, punch mark "F&H" in a shield (A. Hüning).”
  • “Dial: Enamel.”
  • “Smooth circular silver pocket watch case with top pendant and circular bow.”

Mechanism Specifications

According to the source, the timepiece utilizes a 47.5 mm caliber movement with a 3/4 plate construction. The escapement is a lever type, and the balance is a large Guillaume screw compensation balance.

The auction house provides a condition report characterizing the movement as 'very good' and in running order, while adding a recommendation for cleaning.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, lever escapement, large Guillaume screw compensation balance.”
  • “Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.”

Open research questions

  • What specific criteria define a Paul Ditisheim 'Type II' observatory movement?
  • Does the 'F&H' mark in a shield definitively identify the silver case manufacturer, or does it represent a retailer's stamp?
  • What are the historical implications of the 'Chronomètre de Bord' designation for deck watches produced in Geneva during the 1920s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Alexander Hüning Chronomètre de Bord deck watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number34628“Movm. No. 34628”
Case Number34628“Case No. 34628”
Dimensions60 mm“Dimensions 60 mm”
Weight182 g“Weight 182 g”
Case Punch MarkF&H in a shield“punch mark "F&H" in a shield (A. Hüning)”
CaliberCal. PD 47,5 mm“Cal. PD 47,5 mm”
MakerAlexander Hüning“punch mark "F&H" in a shield (A. Hüning)”
Movement Caliber47.5 mm“Cal. PD 47,5 mm”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer railway-style minute track.
  • Dial signed below 12 o'clock: 'CHRONOMÈTRE DE BORD / ALEX HÜNING, GENÈVE'.
  • Blued steel spade-style hour and minute hands.
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals every 10 seconds.
  • Smooth circular silver pocket watch case with top pendant and circular bow.
  • Fluted gold-tone winding crown.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement caliber details, case number, and hallmark punch marks are not visible in the front dial photograph and rely entirely on the auction house report.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: Alexander Hüning - Chronomètre de Bord

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 20a6540efe

Terms in this record

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

Other deck watch records