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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Stopwatch

Early 60 Second Stopwatch with Exhibition Back

Partially verified

This early pocket stopwatch features an open white enamel dial calibrated to 60 seconds with Arabic numerals every five seconds. A subdial positioned at the upper half of the dial records elapsed time up to 30 minutes. According to the seller, it houses a Swiss-made mechanism visible through an exhibition case back, marked with serial number 202805 and signed 'M' on the balance bridge. The silver-toned metal case measures 51 mm in diameter and includes a fluted winding crown with an integral rounded bow.

Front view of the 51 mm Swiss stopwatch showing the enamel dial and 30-minute recorder
Front view of the 51 mm Swiss stopwatch showing the enamel dial and 30-minute recorder — Kembery Antique Clocks And Watches Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Pocket watch · Stopwatch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as579a1888
Source-reported date
1895
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
202805

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

Dial and Complications

The watch features a white enamel dial with an outer minute track and 5-second Arabic numeral increments. A sub-register located at the top of the dial acts as a minute recorder, calibrated to count up to 30 minutes.

The dial is paired with a blued steel central chronograph seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “An enamel dial with outer minute track surrounded by 5 second Arabic numerals.”
  • “A minute recorder to the top of the dial, counting up to 30 minutes.”
  • “Blued steel central chronograph seconds hand with a pear-shaped tail”

Case and Construction

The timepiece is housed in a 51 mm silver-toned metal case, which features a fluted winding crown and a circular suspension bow. The case is described as having an exhibition back.

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided source imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case width 51mm”
  • “Silver-toned pocket case with a fluted winding crown and circular suspension bow”
  • “showed through an exhibition back.”

Movement and Attribution

The movement is reported to be of Swiss origin, with complications noted on the backplate. It is inscribed with the serial number 202805 and marked with the letter 'M' on the balance bridge.

The date of 1895 is attributed by the dealer. No independent verification or hallmark documentation is provided in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “A high quality Swiss made mechanism with complications the the backplate”
  • “Numbered 202805 and signed M to the balance bridge.”
  • “Date 1895”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'M' signature on the balance bridge correspond to a specific caliber or manufacturer?
  • Is there any archival evidence to support the 1895 dating for this serial number?
  • Is the exhibition case back original to the case or a subsequent alteration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Early 60 Second Stopwatch with Exhibition Back
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
DialEnamel dial with outer minute track surrounded by 5 second Arabic numerals“An enamel dial with outer minute track surrounded by 5 second Arabic numerals.”
ComplicationMinute recorder counting up to 30 minutes“A minute recorder to the top of the dial, counting up to 30 minutes.”
Movement OriginSwiss made mechanism visible through exhibition back“A high quality Swiss made mechanism with complications the the backplate, showed through an exhibition back.”
Movement MarkingsNumbered 202805 and signed M to the balance bridge“Numbered 202805 and signed M to the balance bridge.”
Case Width51mm“Case width 51mm”
Serial Number202805“Numbered 202805”
Movement SigningM“signed M to the balance bridge.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with a 60-second perimeter track marked in fifth-second increments and 5-second Arabic numerals
  • Upper 30-minute register indexed with even Arabic numbers from 2 to 30
  • Blued steel central chronograph seconds hand with a pear-shaped tail
  • Silver-toned pocket case with a fluted winding crown and circular suspension bow

Research qualifications

  • The movement and exhibition case back described by the seller are not visible in the provided photo
  • Maker identity is uncertain beyond the reported letter 'M' on the balance bridge
  • The 1895 date is dealer-assigned without independent verification

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Early 60 Second Stopwatch With Exhibition Back as579a1888

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 2f819116c0

Terms in this record

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

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