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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Calendar pocket watch

Husseinite family diplomatic presentation pocket watch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold pocket watch is described as a diplomatic presentation piece, measuring 56mm in diameter with a gross weight of 133.2 grams. The exterior of the case features an engraving of the Husseinite family coat of arms. The reverse side displays an Ottoman inscription reading “Mohamad al Shayazlli Bey,” positioned within a radiant geometric star motif. The timepiece is housed in a triple-hinged 18K gold case. The dial is composed of white enamel with Arabic numerals and includes calendar and moon-phase apertures, complemented by subsidiary dials indicating the day and month. The watch is fitted with ornate gilt hands. A mechanical movement is located inside the case, accessible beneath the polished gold cuvette. The object is associated with diplomatic practices between Swiss ateliers and Ottoman officials during the late 19th century.

Gold pocket watch with engraved Husseinite coat of arms on the cover and an Ottoman inscription on the reverse.
Gold pocket watch with engraved Husseinite coat of arms on the cover and an Ottoman inscription on the reverse. — PLAKAS (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Calendar pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
43
Source-reported date
19th Century
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

Case and External Features

The watch is constructed with an 18K yellow gold triple-hinged case measuring 56mm in diameter. The outer case lid is decorated with an engraved representation of the Husseinite family coat of arms, which incorporates military motifs and a crescent and star.

The reverse of the watch case features a central radiant geometric star motif. Within this star is an Ottoman inscription identified by the auction description as reading “Mohamad al Shayazlli Bey.” The case is marked 18K to denote its material composition.

Evidence for this section
  • “An 18K yellow gold diplomatic presentation watch featuring the Husseinite family coat of arms finely engraved on the outer case.”
  • “The reverse bears an elegant Ottoman inscription reading “Mohamad al Shayazlli Bey” , framed within a radiant geometric star motif.”
  • “housed within a triple-hinged case marked 18K”

Dial and Complications

The watch features a white enamel dial designed with Arabic numerals. It includes multiple calendar-related complications, specifically calendar and moon-phase apertures.

To support the calendar functions, the dial incorporates subsidiary dials for the day and month. These elements are presented with ornate gilt hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals with calendar and moon-phase apertures, flanked by subsidiary dials for day and month, and embellished with ornate gilt hands.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by a mechanical movement. Access to the movement is provided by opening the polished gold cuvette, which serves as an inner protective cover within the triple-hinged case.

The auction description refers to the mechanism as a high-grade movement, though the specific maker of the caliber is not documented in the provided source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The high-grade mechanical movement is visible beneath the polished gold cuvette”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the Swiss atelier that produced this watch?
  • Is there a specific maker mark on the movement hidden beneath the cuvette?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Husseinite family diplomatic presentation pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
Diameter56mm“56mm diameter”
Weight133.2g“gross weight 133.2g”
InscriptionMohamad al Shayazlli Bey“The reverse bears an elegant Ottoman inscription reading “Mohamad al Shayazlli Bey””
Dial featuresArabic numerals, calendar and moon-phase apertures“The inner white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals with calendar and moon-phase apertures”
Case constructionTriple-hinged“housed within a triple-hinged case”
Markings18K“marked 18K”

Visible details

  • Case features an engraved Husseinite family coat of arms
  • Reverse side displays an Ottoman inscription within a star motif
  • Dial includes calendar and moon-phase functionality
  • Triple-hinged gold case construction

Research qualifications

  • Maker of the mechanical movement is not identified
  • Specific geographic origin of manufacture is not stated beyond Swiss attribution mentioned in the context of trade

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

Terms in this record

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