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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting-cased pocket watch

International Watch Co. Hunting-Cased Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This hunting-cased, keyless pocket watch by International Watch Co., Schaffhausen, dates to approximately 1920. It is constructed from 14K yellow gold and features a four-body 'bassine et filet' case with an engine-turned sunburst pattern on both covers, finished with stepped, concave borders and a lapidated polygon-edged band. The watch includes a hinged gold cuvette. The white enamel dial is accented with painted Breguet numerals, an outer minute track, a sunken subsidiary seconds dial, and gold double spade hands. Internally, the watch is powered by a Caliber 18''' frosted gilt movement containing 17 jewels. Notable technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. Selected jewels are set within screwed gold chatons. The dial, movement, and case are each signed by the maker. The watch measures 55 mm in diameter and 11 mm in thickness.

The front view of the 14K yellow gold hunting-cased pocket watch by International Watch Co., showing the enamel dial and subsidiary seconds.
The front view of the 14K yellow gold hunting-cased pocket watch by International Watch Co., showing the enamel dial and subsidiary seconds. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting-cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
International Watch Co., Schaffhausen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
132
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
609614

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 Dial

The watch is housed in a four-body 14K yellow gold case identified as 'bassine et filet'. The exterior covers exhibit an engine-turned sunburst pattern, while the perimeter of the case is detailed with stepped, concave borders and a lapidated polygon-edged band. The assembly includes a hinged cuvette.

The white enamel dial serves as a backdrop for painted Breguet-style numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial, which is sunken into the enamel surface. An outer minute track surrounds the periphery, and the time is displayed via gold double spade-style hands. The dial is signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Four-body, ?bassine et filet?, the front and back cover engine-turned in a sunburst pattern, stepped and concave borders, lapidated polygon-edged band, hinged cuvette.”
  • “D. White enamel with painted Breguet numerals, outer minute track, sunk subsidiary seconds dial. Gold double spade hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is driven by a Caliber 18''' frosted gilt movement. The mechanism is jeweled with 17 stones, some of which are held in place by screwed gold chatons. Regulation of the timekeeping is managed by a swan-neck micrometer regulator acting on a blued steel Breguet balance spring.

The escapement is a straight-line lever type, paired with a cut bimetallic compensation balance. The movement is signed by International Watch Co., Schaffhausen.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 18''', frosted gilt, 17 jewels, some in screwed gold chatons, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is attributed to a production date of circa 1920. Regarding the physical condition of the item, the auction description provides a grading system, identifying the overall object as grade AA, with the case and movement listed as grade 3.

Specific condition notes provided by the auction house include a report of a slight chip on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made circa 1920.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-24-01 Good Slightly chipped”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific significance of the 'bassine et filet' case designation for International Watch Co. production in the 1920s?
  • Are there archival records at the IWC Museum that confirm the original sale date or retailer for this serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for International Watch Co. Hunting-Cased Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerInternational Watch Co., Schaffhausen“International Watch Co., Schaffhausen”
Case Serial609614“case No. 609614”
Movement Serial545920“No. 545920”
Case Material14K yellow gold“14K yellow gold”
Movement Caliber18'''“Cal. 18'''”
Jewel Count17“17 jewels”
Case Diameter55 mm“Diam. 55 mm”
Case Thickness11 mm“Thickness 11 mm”

Visible details

  • Sunburst engine-turned pattern on exterior covers
  • Lapidated polygon-edged case band
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds dial
  • Gold double spade style hands

Research qualifications

  • The auction description notes the dial has a slight chip
  • The auction report advises that a mechanical overhaul is recommended

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

Consulted source

International Watch Co., Schaffhausen, No. 545920, case No. 609614. Made circa 1920. Very fine, 14K yellow gold, hunting-cased keyless pocket watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3dab0e4779

Terms in this record

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

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