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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

LIP honorary pocket watch for Régie des Mines de la Sarre miners

Partially verified

This pocket watch was awarded as an honorary gift to miners by the Régie des Mines de la Sarre in 1949. Manufactured by LIP, the timepiece features a gold-plated case with a knurled, pull-out crown at the 12 o'clock position and a suspension bow for a chain. The dial displays Arabic numerals, gold-colored hour and minute hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed "LIP" and "MADE IN FRANCE". A dust cover (cuvette) protects the movement and bears an inscription relating to the mining administration, accompanied by a symbol of hammer and pick. The case back is marked with serial numbers on the interior. The watch functions via a crown-wound and crown-set mechanism. This example is held by the Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum, which identifies it as a commemorative piece for employees of the Saar mining administration.

Front view of the LIP pocket watch showing the dial, subsidiary seconds, crown, and '17 JEWELS' marking.
Front view of the LIP pocket watch showing the dial, subsidiary seconds, crown, and '17 JEWELS' marking. — Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum via Europeana. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
LIP
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
/1043/item_4PFTN3MFMONLAODLRSMZDGCWG7F2VAR4
Source-reported date
1949
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
693071

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

Dial and Case Construction

The pocket watch features a gold-plated case designed with a knurled crown used for both winding and setting the time. At the 12 o'clock position, a pendant with a bow provides the attachment point for a watch chain. The watch glass is fitted into a hinged cover equipped with a bezel.

The dial is configured with Arabic numerals and gold-colored hour and minute hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, which obscures part of the numeral 6. The "LIP" company logo and the production origin "MADE IN FRANCE" are printed on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Halboffene Taschenuhr mit vergoldetem Gehäuse, geriffelter und herausziehbarer Krone (Kronenaufzug)”
  • “Das Uhrenglas ist in einem Deckel mit Lünette eingelassen.”
  • “Zusätzlich trägt das Zifferblatt auf Position 12 und 6 ein Firmenlogo (LIP) und die Angaben zum Herstellungsland.”

Movement and Internal Features

Access to the interior of the watch is provided by a hinged back cover which features a hatched exterior surface. The inner side of this cover is stamped with various markings, including numerical references. The movement is protected by an inner dust cover known as a cuvette.

This dust cover serves as an area for commemorative engraving, displaying the text "REGIE DES MINES DE LA SARRE 1949" alongside a hammer and pick emblem. The movement itself displays the manufacturer's logo.

Evidence for this section
  • “Der Rückdeckel mit Scharnier und Lippe zur Öffnung ist auf der Außenseite schraffiert und auf der Innenseite mit verschiedenen Stempelmarken versehen.”
  • “Das Uhrwerk wird durch einen Staubdeckel (Cuvette) mit Widmung und Schlägel und Eisen geschützt”
  • “Das Uhrwerk selbst trägt u.a. das Herstellerlogo.”

Provenance and Purpose

The watch served as an honorary gift awarded to miners by the Régie des Mines de la Sarre. Documentation provided by the Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum identifies the piece specifically as a commemorative jubilee watch awarded to employees.

The identification of this item relies on museum records associated with the Europeana platform. While the description details the specific specimen held in the institution's collection, the broader application of these details to other similar watches requires verification.

Evidence for this section
  • “Die Taschenuhr wurde als Jubiläumsuhr von der Régie de Mines de la Sarre den Bergleuten verliehen.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this LIP model?
  • Are there variations in the case plating or materials used across different years of the award?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LIP honorary pocket watch for Régie des Mines de la Sarre miners
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLIP“Herstellerlogo”
Awarding AuthorityRégie des Mines de la Sarre“von der Régie de Mines de la Sarre”
Year of Award1949“REGIE DES MINES DE LA SARRE 1949”
Movement Serial Number693071“693071”
Dial InscriptionLIP / MADE IN FRANCE“Zifferblatt: "LIP / MADE IN FRANCE”
Case Serial Number393 825“LIP 393 825”

Visible details

  • Gold-plated case with knurled crown
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Dial signed 'LIP' and 'MADE IN FRANCE'
  • Dust cover features engraved inscription and mining emblem

Research qualifications

  • Material composition of the case requires independent verification
  • Exact manufacturing process and component origin are not specified beyond the LIP brand identity

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch as an honorary gift for miners awarded by the Régie des Mines de la Sarre

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 62c57e5c7c

Terms in this record

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

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