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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-second chronograph pocket watch

Jules Mathey Locle Split Second Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Jules Mathey Locle split-second chronograph pocket watch, manufactured in Switzerland during the 1890s, is a manual-wind timepiece. The watch features a gold-filled case produced by James Boss for the Keystone Watch Case Company, bearing the serial number 6626634. The dial is characterized by double-sunk sub-dials, with the main dial displaying black Roman numerals and blue Arabic numerals placed above the minute track. Measuring 54.5 mm in diameter and 17.5 mm in thickness, including the acrylic crystal, the watch has a total mass of 118.5 grams. The watch is currently listed in good condition.

Front view of the Jules Mathey split-second chronograph pocket watch, showing the white dial with black Roman numerals and blue Arabic markings.
Front view of the Jules Mathey split-second chronograph pocket watch, showing the white dial with black Roman numerals and blue Arabic markings. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Split-second chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Jules Mathey
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1890s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
6626634

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 Exterior

The timepiece is housed in a round, gold-filled case. According to the provided information, the case was produced by James Boss for the Keystone Watch Case Company. The case measures 54.5 mm in diameter and has an overall thickness of 17.5 mm, a measurement that includes the fitted acrylic crystal.

The total weight of the watch is documented as 118.5 grams. The exterior features a prominent winding crown positioned at the 12 o'clock location, accompanied by a standard bow for attachment to a chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in a Keystone gold-filled case by James Boss”
  • “diameter of 54.5mm and is 17.5mm thick, including the acrylic crystal”
  • “total mass of the timepiece is 118.5 grammes”

Dial and Configuration

The dial layout incorporates double-sunk sub-dials, which provide depth to the face of the watch. The primary markers consist of black Roman numerals for the hours, supplemented by smaller blue Arabic numerals positioned above the minute track.

As a split-second chronograph, the watch includes specific hand configurations to support its dual timing capabilities. The contrast between the black and blue numerals is intended to aid legibility.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jules Mathey Locle split second chronograph pocket watch”

Origin and Movement

This pocket watch is a product of Swiss manufacturing, specifically attributed to the Jules Mathey firm located in Le Locle. The movement is of the manual-wind variety, consistent with the artisan styles prevalent in the late 19th century.

The watch is identified by the serial number 6626634. The auction description reports the object is in good condition, although this reflects the seller's assessment at the time of listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jules Mathey Locle split second chronograph pocket watch”
  • “hails from Switzerland”
  • “bearing the serial number 6626634”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 6626634 correspond to specific production records for Jules Mathey?
  • Is the acrylic crystal contemporary to the movement, or was it added during a later service?
  • Can the Keystone case be verified through internal hallmark stamps?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jules Mathey Locle Split Second Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJules Mathey Locle“Jules Mathey Locle”
Serial Number6626634“bearing the serial number 6626634”
CaseKeystone gold-filled by James Boss“Encased in a Keystone gold-filled case by James Boss”
Diameter54.5 mm“diameter of 54.5mm”
Weight118.5 grams“total mass of the timepiece is 118.5 grammes”

Visible details

  • Double-sunk sub-dials are present.
  • The dial features black Roman numerals and blue Arabic numerals.
  • The case includes a winding crown with a bow at the top.
  • Ornate gold-toned hands are visible on the main dial.

Research qualifications

  • The acrylic crystal is likely a modern replacement for the original glass.
  • The association with James Boss and the Keystone case is stated as a fact but requires physical verification of hallmarks.

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

Consulted source

Jules Mathey Locle Split Second Chronograph Pocket Watch Gold Filled - 1890s

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ef878a2b81

Terms in this record

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

Other split-second chronograph pocket watch records