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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Stem-winding pocket watch

Antique Eterna Schild Frères Gunmetal Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is reported by the seller to date to the 1900s, around the period when maker Schild Frères & Cie transitioned to Eterna in 1905. The stem-winding mechanical movement is protected by an inner hinged cover and features the firm's trademark symbol. The case is constructed from gunmetal measuring 48 mm in diameter, accented by gold-coloured details on the bezel, hinge, and loop. According to the seller, the watch features pin-set hands, an acrylic lens, and is accompanied by a dual-tone chain.

Back view of the pocket watch with case back and inner cuvette opened showing the movement and attached chain
Back view of the pocket watch with case back and inner cuvette opened showing the movement and attached chain — 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 · Stem-winding pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Schild Frères & Cie (Eterna)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA732267
Source-reported date
c. 1900–1905
Country
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 Dating

The pocket watch is described by the dealer as an antique gunmetal watch associated with Schild Frères & Cie, noting that the movement is marked with the firm's symbol prior to its transition to the name Eterna in 1905.

The dealer dates the watch to the 1900s based on this corporate changeover, while the site cataloguer indicates a broad era of 1900–1920. No serial number or movement production records are provided in the listing to establish a more definitive date.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed with the symbol for Schild Fréres & Cie, which became Eterna in 1905.”
  • “This particular watch would have been made around this time.”
  • “The Vintage Wrist Watch Company has dated this piece to the 1900s.”
  • “1900 - 1920”

Case and Construction

According to listing details, the gunmetal case measures 48 mm in diameter, excluding the winding stem and loop. The dealer describes the back as having developed a copper hue over time, complemented by gold-coloured accents on the hinge, loop, and bezel.

Direct observation of the supplied rear photograph shows the hinged outer case back and the inner cuvette raised open. A gold-coloured onion crown and round bow are fitted at the pendant, with a dual-tone link chain attached.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 48mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop.”
  • “The case back has taken on a handsome copper hue over the years. Gold coloured highlights including the hinge, loop and bezel detail.”
  • “Hinged outer case back and inner cuvette are both raised open, revealing the gilt-finished mechanical movement.”
  • “Gold-coloured onion crown and round bow fitted at the pendant.”
  • “Dual-tone link chain connected to the pocket watch pendant bow.”

Movement and Dial Observations

The watch is powered by a stem-winding mechanical movement with pin-set hands, protected beneath an inner hinged cuvette that the dealer reports as showing a patch of rubbing. Visual inspection of the exposed mechanism shows a gilt-finished bridge arrangement with visible winding and ratchet wheels, a balance wheel, and an index regulator.

The dial and hands are not visible in the available photograph. The seller reports that the watch has an acrylic lens in lovely condition and a dial exhibiting a couple of faint hairlines.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which has a patch of rubbing.”
  • “Winding mechanism includes winding and ratchet wheels alongside an exposed balance wheel and regulator.”
  • “Pin-set hands.”
  • “The acrylic lens is in lovely condition.”
  • “The dial has a couple of faint hairline but they are faint and not very noticeable to the naked eye.”

Open research questions

  • What specific calibre designation or movement reference corresponds to this Schild Frères bridge layout?
  • What markings, signatures, or numeral styles are present on the obscured dial face?
  • Are there case maker marks or serial numbers stamped inside the cuvette or on the movement to confirm a precise date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Eterna Schild Frères Gunmetal Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter48 mm“The watch measures 48mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop.”
Case materialGunmetal“Antique Eterna Schild Fréres gun metal pocket watch.”
Movement trademarkSchild Frères & Cie symbol“The movement is signed with the symbol for Schild Fréres & Cie, which became Eterna in 1905.”
Hand-setting mechanismPin-set hands“Pin-set hands.”
LensAcrylic“The acrylic lens is in lovely condition.”
Inner cover conditionPatch of rubbing reported“The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which has a patch of rubbing.”
Chain accessoryDouble chain with mixed coloration“The watch comes with a double chain which has an interesting colour combination which matches the watch beautifully.”
PackagingSupplied in a new presentation box“The watch and chain will come in a new presentation box.”

Visible details

  • Hinged outer case back and inner cuvette are both raised open, revealing the gilt-finished mechanical movement.
  • Winding mechanism includes winding and ratchet wheels alongside an exposed balance wheel and regulator.
  • Gold-coloured onion crown and round bow fitted at the pendant.
  • Dual-tone link chain connected to the pocket watch pendant bow.

Research qualifications

  • The dial and hands are not visible in the supplied photograph.
  • The date of manufacture is estimated by the seller based on brand history.

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

Consulted source

Antique Eterna Schild Fréres Pocket Watch | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3a6d4aefe4

Terms in this record

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

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