Pocket watch · Pivoted detent chronometer
This pocket chronometer is described as a graduate's masterpiece from the École d'horlogerie Le Locle, manufactured circa 1900. It features a silver case with a gold crown and an enamel dial. The movement is a bridge-type construction, identified as Calibre-ecole 20'', and incorporates a pivoted detent chronometer escapement. Further technical specifications include a Guillaume gold screw compensation balance and a balance spring with two terminal curves by Phillips. The watch is associated with Harry van Zwoll, a German watchmaker and musical instrument dealer. This object belongs to the class of 'school watches' (Montres École) produced by the technical training institution in Le Locle, Switzerland. The auction description reports that the object is in very good condition across its case, dial, and movement, and that the watch is capable of running, although cleaning is recommended.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
The pocket watch is housed in a silver case, which is finished with a gold crown.
The dial is composed of enamel, featuring standard Roman numeral indices and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the six o'clock mark.
The movement is a bridge-type configuration designed as a 'Calibre-ecole 20''', reflecting the instructional nature of the piece. It utilizes a pivoted detent chronometer escapement, a mechanism synonymous with high-precision timekeeping. The regulation is managed through a Guillaume gold screw compensation balance paired with a balance spring featuring two terminal curves according to the Phillips design.
The movement, numbered 161, corresponds with the case number, indicating the components were kept together as a set. The overall mechanical condition is reported as very good, noting that the watch remains capable of running, though professional cleaning is advised for future performance.
This object is identified as a graduate's masterpiece from the École d'horlogerie Le Locle. The school, located in the Canton of Neuchâtel, was founded in the 1830s to foster expertise for the Swiss precision watch industry. By 1901, the institution expanded into the Technicum Le Locle, a central hub for technical watchmaking education.
The watch is attributed to Harry van Zwoll, a German watchmaker and dealer based in Bunde.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Harry van Zwoll - Ècole d'horlogerie Le Locle | “Harry van Zwoll - Ècole d'horlogerie Le Locle” |
| Movement Number | 161 | “Movm. No. 161” |
| Case Material | Silver with gold crown | “Case: Silver, gold crown.” |
| Escapement | Pivoted detent | “pivoted detent chronometer escapement” |
| Balance | Guillaume gold screw compensation balance | “Guillaume gold screw compensation balance” |
| Dimensions | 56 mm | “Dimensions 56 mm” |
| Weight | 144 g | “Weight 144 g” |
| Origin | Schweiz | “Origin Schweiz” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 084e449e70
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
