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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face dress pocket watch

C.H. Meylan Platinum and Diamond Open-Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face dress pocket watch by C.H. Meylan dates according to the seller to the early 1920s. It features an open-face tested platinum case measuring 42 mm in diameter excluding the crown, with an Art Deco style bow and an exhibition back. The bezel beneath the crystal is set with 60 diamonds. The hard enamel dial over sterling silver displays applied Roman numerals set with small diamonds, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and a plaque marked 'C.H. MEYLAN'. Inside, the seller reports a slim 19-jewel Swiss manual-wind movement.

Dial view of the C.H. Meylan platinum and diamond open-face pocket watch
Dial view of the C.H. Meylan platinum and diamond open-face pocket watch — empressissi. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
empress.cc
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face dress pocket watch
Maker / attribution
C.H. Meylan
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1920–1925
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 Design and Gem Setting

The open-face watch is presented in a white-metal case described by the seller as tested platinum, configured with a back view and two mineral crystals. It measures 42 mm across excluding the crown and slightly over 8 mm in overall thickness, fitted with an arch-shaped bow in Art Deco style over a fluted winding crown.

A continuous border of diamonds is set beneath the crystal along the perimeter of the dial, which the source accounts as 60 diamonds. Across the case and dial elements combined, the seller reports a total exceeding 100 diamonds, though hallmark strikes and gemological laboratory certifications are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is cased in an original tested Platinum case with back view and set with 60 diamonds of fine quality all around below the crystal.”
  • “The case has an original Platinum bow in Art Deco style, an original crown and two mint mineral crystals.”
  • “Overall this watch has well over 100 diamonds and is simply breathtaking.”
  • “White-metal open-face case fitted with an arch-shaped bow over a fluted winding crown.”
  • “A continuous border of small diamonds is set beneath the crystal along the perimeter of the dial.”

Dial Composition and Details

The dial is described by the seller as factory original hard enamel over sterling silver. Visible observations confirm an outer railroad track chapter ring enclosing Roman numeral hour markers set with small diamonds.

A rectangular nameplate inscribed 'C.H. MEYLAN' is situated below 12 o'clock. A subsidiary seconds subdial featuring Arabic numerals and railroad track calibration is positioned at 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is a factory original hard enamel over Sterling silver, a few small signs, with elegant Roman numerals set with tiny genuine diamonds.”
  • “The white enamel dial features diamond-set Roman numerals, a rectangular nameplate inscribed 'C.H. MEYLAN', and an outer railroad track chapter ring.”
  • “A subsidiary seconds subdial with Arabic numerals and railroad track calibration is positioned at 6 o'clock.”

Reported Movement and Technical Uncertainties

The watch is stated by the seller to house an early slim high-grade movement running on 19 jewels. Although described as having a back view, specific caliber identification numbers, serial numbers, and regulatory markings are not recorded in this source.

Dating to the early 1920s and the composition of tested platinum rely on the seller's description. Official assay hallmarks and movement caliber photographs are not recorded in the listing text or provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch houses an early slim hi grade movement running on 19 jewels.”
  • “from the early 20s of the 20th century”
  • “It is cased in an original tested Platinum case with back view and set with 60 diamonds of fine quality all around below the crystal.”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber designation and movement serial number are stamped on the 19-jewel C.H. Meylan movement?
  • Are official Swiss platinum hallmarks (such as a goat head or Pt 950 stamp) or maker marks present on the case frame?
  • Does the movement or case interior bear retailer or import markings contemporary with 1920s Swiss production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for C.H. Meylan Platinum and Diamond Open-Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerC.H. Meylan“C.H. Meylan pocket watch”
PeriodEarly 1920s“from the early 20s of the 20th century”
Case materialPlatinum“featuring a Platinum case set with genuine large diamonds”
Jewel count19 jewels“early slim hi grade movement running on 19 jewels”
Bezel diamond count60 diamonds“set with 60 diamonds of fine quality all around below the crystal”
Dial materialHard enamel over sterling silver“The dial is a factory original hard enamel over Sterling silver”
Diameter42 mm (excluding crown)“measures 42mm side to side (excluding crown)”
ThicknessJust over 8 mm“just a tad over 8mm thick overall”
Total reported diamond countWell over 100 diamonds“Overall this watch has well over 100 diamonds”
CrystalsTwo mineral crystals“two mint mineral crystals”

Visible details

  • A continuous border of small diamonds is set beneath the crystal along the perimeter of the dial.
  • The white enamel dial features diamond-set Roman numerals, a rectangular nameplate inscribed 'C.H. MEYLAN', and an outer railroad track chapter ring.
  • A subsidiary seconds subdial with Arabic numerals and railroad track calibration is positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • White-metal open-face case fitted with an arch-shaped bow over a fluted winding crown.

Research qualifications

  • Dating to the early 1920s relies on dealer attribution.
  • Movement specifications, jewel count, and platinum purity testing are stated by the seller and not verified by an assay hallmark or visible movement caliber markings in this photograph.
  • Diamond authenticity and count rely on seller description.

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

Consulted source

20s C.H. MEYLAN Hi-grade Platinum/Diamonds Swiss Pocket Watch – empressissi

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 927aae1ee9

Terms in this record

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

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