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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chronograph pocket watch

Antique Valjoux Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face chronograph pocket watch dates to circa 1900–1920 according to the listing. The nickel case measures 52 mm in diameter excluding the winding stem and loop, and encloses an inner hinged dust cover. The white dial features Roman numeral hour markers, an outer chronograph track calibrated to 60 units, and text reading 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom. It includes a continuous seconds register at 6 o'clock and a 30-minute register at 12 o'clock. The dealer identifies the stem-winding movement as Valjoux, with chronograph functions operated through the winding crown.

Front view of the nickel open-face chronograph pocket watch displaying dial registers and Roman numerals
Front view of the nickel open-face chronograph pocket watch displaying dial registers and Roman numerals — 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 · Chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Valjoux
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA1061178
Source-reported date
1900 - 1920
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

Case and External Features

The pocket watch is housed in an open-face nickel case measuring 52 mm in diameter, excluding the winding stem and the loop. Externally, visual observation notes a ribbed onion winding crown with a round top loop, alongside a small pin-set pusher visible on the bezel near the 11 o'clock position.

The movement is shielded inside by an inner hinged cover. The front of the dial is covered by a glass lens, which the seller reports is in good condition, alongside light surface marks on the nickel casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 52mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop.”
  • “Ribbed onion winding crown with a round top loop and a small pin-set pusher visible on the bezel near 11 o'clock.”
  • “The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.”
  • “The case is nickel and it is in good condition with just light surface marks, nothing too serious at all.”
  • “The glass lens is in good condition.”

Dial Configuration and Condition

The watch features a white dial displaying black Roman numerals and an outer minute/seconds track numbered from 5 to 60. Sub-registers are arranged vertically along the 12 to 6 axis, consisting of a 30-minute counter positioned at 12 o'clock and a constant running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.

Along the lower perimeter, 'SWISS MADE' is marked in split lettering flanking the 6 o'clock register. The seller states that there are faint hairline cracks visible on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute/seconds track numbered 5 to 60.”
  • “Two subsidiary dials: a 30-minute counter positioned at 12 o'clock and a running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Marked 'SWISS MADE' in split lettering along the bottom edge flanking the 6 o'clock subsidiary dial.”
  • “There are a few hairline cracks to the dial but they are faint.”

Movement Operation and Attribution Limitations

Chronograph timing functions are operated by pressing the winding crown in sequence: first to start, then to stop, and then to reset to zero. Hand-setting of the hour and minute hands is handled through a pin-set mechanism.

The listing reports a stem-winding movement identified as by Valjoux, with the dealer dating the piece to the 1900s (and categorized under 1900 - 1920). Specific caliber numbers, movement engravings, and movement serial marks are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a stem-winding movement, identified as by Valjoux, which is working nicely.”
  • “Pin-set hour and minute hands.”
  • “The chronograph is operated by pressing the winding crown, first to start, then to stop and then to re-set to zero.”
  • “The Vintage Wrist Watch Company has dated this piece to the 1900s.”

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Valjoux Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter52mm excluding the winding stem and the loop“The watch measures 52mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop.”
Case materialNickel“The case is nickel and it is in good condition with just light surface marks, nothing too serious at all.”
Movement attributionValjoux stem-winding movement“The watch has a stem-winding movement, identified as by Valjoux, which is working nicely.”
Chronograph operationCrown-operated single-button mechanism“The chronograph is operated by pressing the winding crown, first to start, then to stop and then to re-set to zero.”
SubdialsConstant seconds and 30-minute counter“The dial has two subsidiary dials, one for constant seconds and the other to records up to 30 minutes.”
Hand setting mechanismPin-set“Pin-set hour and minute hands.”
PackagingNew presentation box“The watch comes in a new presentation box.”
Period range1900 - 1920“Antique Valjoux Chronograph Pocket Watch 1900 - 1920”
Internal coverInner hinged cover“The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute/seconds track numbered 5 to 60.
  • Two subsidiary dials: a 30-minute counter positioned at 12 o'clock and a running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.
  • Marked 'SWISS MADE' in split lettering along the bottom edge flanking the 6 o'clock subsidiary dial.
  • Ribbed onion winding crown with a round top loop and a small pin-set pusher visible on the bezel near 11 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Valjoux is source-reported by the dealer rather than verified by dial or visible hallmarks in the primary photo.
  • The seller notes faint hairline cracks on the dial.

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

Consulted source

Antique Valjoux Chronograph Pocket Watch | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f3dc6d7fc9

Terms in this record

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

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