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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Helvetia 14k Gold Keyless Wind Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This catalogued item is an open face pocket watch identified by Bonhams as a Helvetia timepiece with a 14k gold case and a keyless wind mechanism. The light-toned dial features applied dart hour markers, an outer beaded minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock register. The winding crown and suspension bow are situated at the 12 o'clock position. The dial is signed 'HELVETIA' beneath the 12 o'clock hour marker.

Dial view of the Helvetia 14k gold open face pocket watch
Dial view of the Helvetia 14k gold open face pocket watch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Helvetia
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
68
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Identity and Auction Cataloguing

This pocket watch was catalogued by Bonhams under Lot 68 as a Helvetia open-face timepiece. The cataloguing designates the watch as having a '14k gold' case and operating via a 'keyless wind' mechanism.

The auction entry appeared in the sale titled 'Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman' held between 28 October and 10 November 2016. No reference number, serial number, or exact production date was recorded in the lot title.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 68 Helvetia. A 14k gold keyless wind open face pocket watch”
  • “Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman 28 October – 10 November 2016, 10:00 GMT Online, Londo”

Dial and Case Configuration

Direct visual inspection of the dial reveals a light surface signed 'HELVETIA' directly below the 12 o'clock position. Applied dart-shaped hour markers and an outer dot minute track encircle the dial perimeter.

The layout features blued steel hour and minute hands paired with a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. The gold-coloured open-face case incorporates a fluted winding crown and bow situated at 12 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light dial signed 'HELVETIA' below the 12 o'clock position”
  • “Applied dart-shaped hour markers and dot minute track along the dial perimeter”
  • “Blued steel hour and minute hands accompanied by a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock”
  • “Fluted winding crown and bow positioned at 12 o'clock on a gold-coloured case”

Technical and Source Limitations

The provided auction documentation provides no technical description beyond the title identifying it as a '14k gold keyless wind open face pocket watch'. The underlying movement caliber, finishing, and jewel count are neither illustrated nor stated.

Physical dimensions, case weight, and internal or external hallmark stamps confirming the 14k gold composition are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Helvetia. A 14k gold keyless wind open face pocket watch”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber powers this watch, and does the movement plate bear any signatures or serial numbers?
  • What are the precise case dimensions, total weight, and hallmark stamps corroborating the reported 14k gold composition?
  • Are there any caseback inscriptions or serial numbers that can establish an exact year of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Helvetia 14k Gold Keyless Wind Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHelvetia“Helvetia. A 14k gold keyless wind open face pocket watch”
Case Material14k gold“14k gold”
Winding MechanismKeyless wind“keyless wind”
Watch StyleOpen face“open face pocket watch”
Lot Number68“Lot 68”
Auction Sale TitleWatches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman“Watches & Wristwatches, Collection of a European Nobleman 28 October – 10 November 2016, 10:00 GMT Online, Londo”
Auction Date Range28 October – 10 November 2016“28 October – 10 November 2016, 10:00 GMT Online, Londo”

Visible details

  • Light dial signed 'HELVETIA' below the 12 o'clock position
  • Blued steel hour and minute hands accompanied by a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Applied dart-shaped hour markers and dot minute track along the dial perimeter
  • Fluted winding crown and bow positioned at 12 o'clock on a gold-coloured case

Research qualifications

  • The case back, movement caliber, and internal hallmarks are not visible in the provided lot view
  • Case diameter and exact production date are not specified in the auction record

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Helvetia. A 14k gold keyless wind open face pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record aedb239a4c

Terms in this record

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

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