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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Deck watch

E. M. T. Deck Watch 98613

Partially verified

This deck watch, numbered 98613, features a movement attributed to Swiss maker E. M. T. equipped with a club-tooth lever escapement, two-arm compensation balance, and jewelled train. The movement lacks inscriptions other than the regulator scale marked 'A R' and 'F S'. The source reports it is housed in an open-face stainless steel case bearing military and serial markings. The white enamel dial presents Roman hour numerals, outer Arabic five-minute and second divisions, and centre-seconds. It is preserved in a fitted mahogany deck box with green baize lining and an upper viewing window.

Three-quarter movement view of the uncased deck watch showing the train, balance, and regulator scale
Three-quarter movement view of the uncased deck watch showing the train, balance, and regulator scale — National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rmg.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Deck watch
Maker / attribution
E. M. T.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ZBA7903
Source-reported date
circa 1940
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
98613

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

Movement and Mechanism

The watch features a jewelled movement produced by the Swiss maker E. M. T. Technical components include a club-tooth lever escapement and a two-arm compensation balance. The movement plate is described as gilt with circular winding wheels and visible jewelling.

The movement contains minimal markings, limited to the regulator scale which is inscribed with 'A R' and 'F S'. The regulator index arm is set over an engraved calibration arc.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has a jewelled movement with no markings except the regulator scale marked ‘A R’ and ‘F S’.”
  • “There is a club-tooth lever escapement and two-arm compensation balance.”
  • “Gilt movement plate with circular winding wheels and visible jewelling.”
  • “Regulator index arm over an engraved calibration arc.”

Case and Dial

The movement is contained in an open-face stainless-steel case equipped with a screw-on back and bezel with glass. A pull-out hand-setting winding crown is located at the XII-position. The interior of the case back is marked 'SWISS / ACIER INOXYDABLE / 98613', while the exterior features the serial number '98613' and a broad arrow.

The white enamel dial displays Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute and second divisions. Centre-seconds are present, and there are no maker's inscriptions on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is housed in an open-face stainless-steel case with screw-on back and bezel with glass.”
  • “The back is marked inside ‘SWISS / ACIER INOXYDABLE / 98613’, outside ‘98613’ and the broad arrow.”
  • “A pull-out hand-setting winding crown is at the XII-position.”
  • “A white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals, Arabic five-minute/second figures outside and centre-seconds.”

Admiralty Deck Box

The watch is held in a mahogany deck box with a hinged lid that opens 180°. The box utilizes a flip-catch locking mechanism and features an interior lid lined with green baize, which also contains an empty brass label-holder.

The base of the box includes a circular green baize-lined aperture to hold the watch. A circular glass porthole window in the lid allows the watch to be viewed while the box is closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is housed in a mahogany deck box with a hinged lid opening 180°.”
  • “The box has a flip-catch to lock it.”
  • “The box lid is lined with green baize and includes a brass label-holder (empty).”
  • “The watch sits in a circular green baize-lined aperture in the base of the box and can be seen through a circular porthole glass window when the lid is closed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific technical specification of the E. M. T. base calibre used in these government-commissioned deck watches?
  • Does the lack of inscriptions beyond the serial number and military broad arrow suggest this watch was part of a specific batch issued for maritime navigation?
  • Can the absence of an engraved label in the brass holder confirm if this unit was officially deployed or held as reserve inventory?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E. M. T. Deck Watch 98613
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial number98613“A deck watch numbered 98613, by E. M. T.”
EscapementClub-tooth lever escapement“There is a club-tooth lever escapement and two-arm compensation balance.”
Case materialStainless steel“The movement is housed in an open-face stainless-steel case with screw-on back and bezel with glass.”
Internal case markingSWISS / ACIER INOXYDABLE / 98613“The back is marked inside ‘SWISS / ACIER INOXYDABLE / 98613’, outside ‘98613’ and the broad arrow.”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel with Roman hour numerals and centre-seconds“A white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals, Arabic five-minute/second figures outside and centre-seconds.”
Box descriptionMahogany deck box with green baize lining and viewing window“The watch sits in a circular green baize-lined aperture in the base of the box and can be seen through a circular porthole glass window when the lid is closed.”
Approximate Datecirca 1940“Date made: circa 1940”
Dimensions40 x 106 x 145 mm“Overall: 40 x 106 x 145 mm”

Visible details

  • Gilt movement plate with circular winding wheels and visible jewelling.
  • Regulator index arm over an engraved calibration arc.
  • Large fluted winding crown fitted inside a circular bow at the 12 o'clock position.

Research qualifications

  • Case back exterior and interior markings are described in text but not visible in the open-movement photograph.
  • Date of manufacture is recorded as approximate circa 1940.

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

Consulted source

98613 | Royal Museums Greenwich

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 28922c649a

Terms in this record

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

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