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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

Anonymous Padlock-Shaped Pendant Watch

Partially verified

This unsigned Swiss pendant watch, manufactured circa 1880, features a unique padlock-shaped case constructed from sterling silver, gold, and brown painted enamel. The timepiece is designed as a key-wound model and measures 33 x 49 mm. It is equipped with a 140 cm silver snake chain, complete with a snake head end, a gold swivel, and the original winding key. The dial is white enamel with radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track featuring red Arabic markers at five-minute intervals. The watch is powered by a 36 mm bridged matte gilt movement, which utilizes a cylinder escapement, a three-arm brass balance, a flat balance spring, and an index regulator. The piece is accompanied by its original fitted wooden box. The case design is characterized by its integrated padlock form, with the bow secured by large gold screws and a transparent back providing view of the internal components.

The padlock-shaped watch shown with its winding key and segment of the snake chain.
The padlock-shaped watch shown with its winding key and segment of the snake chain. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
197
Source-reported date
circa 1880
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

Case and Exterior Construction

The watch is housed in a distinctive padlock-shaped case fashioned from sterling silver, gold, and painted enamel. The assembly incorporates a bow held in place by two large gold screws, while a wide, brown enamel bezel is fixed to the frame using four smaller gold screws. The construction includes a silver inner bezel and a transparent back that allows visibility of the inner movement cover, which features two dedicated apertures for winding and time-setting functions.

The exterior is complemented by a 140 cm long silver snake-pattern chain that terminates in a snake-head fixture and a gold swivel. The watch is presented in its original fitted wooden box, which matches the dimensions of the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “pad lock shaped, sterling silver, gold and painted enamel”
  • “the bow attached with 2 large gold screws”
  • “wide outer brown enamel bezel fixed to the frame by 4 gold screws”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays time via black radial Roman numerals for the hours. Encircling the inner chapter are outer minute divisions, marked at five-minute increments with red Arabic numerals. The time is indicated by yellow gold spade-style hands.

The watch functions via a key-wound mechanism, with the winding square accessible through the case back. According to the provided condition report, the dial displays hairlines, and the original hands have been partially replaced over time, as noted in the auction documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions with 5-minute red Arabic markers”
  • “Yellow gold spade hands”
  • “HANDS Partially replaced”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a 36 mm bridged movement with a matte gilt finish. It features a cylinder escapement, a classic configuration for 19th-century portable timepieces. The regulation of the balance is achieved via a three-arm brass balance, a flat balance spring, and a standard index regulator.

The technical grading for the movement is listed as 3, reflecting the current necessity for mechanical attention to restore full functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 36 mm. bridged matte gilt, cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance”
  • “Repair required, at buyer's expense”
  • “Movement: 3** Good”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical origin of the cylinder escapement used in this specific Swiss movement?
  • Are there known contemporary artisans or workshops that specialized in padlock-shaped pendant watches during the 1880s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anonymous Padlock-Shaped Pendant Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAnonymous“Anonymous, Swiss.”
Datecirca 1880“Made circa 1880.”
MaterialSterling silver, gold, and enamel“sterling silver, gold and painted enamel”
Dimensions33 x 49 mm“DIM. 33 x 49 mm.”
Movement Caliber36 mm“Cal. 36 mm. bridged matte gilt”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Included accessories140 cm chain and original box“140 cm.silver snake chain, snake head end, gold swivel and key. Accompanied by the original fitted wooden box.”

Visible details

  • The watch case is shaped like a padlock with a prominent bow
  • The dial features both Roman numeral hour markers and red Arabic minute numerals
  • The winding and setting apertures are positioned on the inner case back
  • The watch comes with a long snake-link chain and a detached winding key

Research qualifications

  • The auction description notes the movement requires repair
  • The auction description indicates that the hands are partially replaced
  • The auction description reports hairlines in the enamel dial

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

Consulted source

ANONYMOUS SWISS SILVER, GOLD & ENAMEL Anonymous, Swiss. Made circa 1880. Fine and very unusual, pad lock shaped, sterling silver, gold and painted enamel key-wound pocket / pendant watch with a 140 cm.silver snake chain, snake head end, gold swivel and key. Accompanied by the original fitted wooden box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d3b0adfd85

Terms in this record

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

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