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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind cocktail watch

Lyceum Perfine cocktail watch

Partially verified

This Lyceum 'Perfine' cocktail watch dates to approximately the 1930s or 1940s. The timepiece features a 17-jewel manual-wind movement produced by the Swiss firm Lyceum Watch Co. In response to import regulations of the era, the movement is housed in an octagonal case manufactured by the Master Watch Case Co. of the USA, which is finished with a stainless steel back. The watch has a width of 17mm and a lug-to-lug length of 30mm. The dial is equipped with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and matching hands. The overall assembly weighs 14.4 grams. The watch exhibits signs of aging, including surface scratching and tarnish, and is reported to require professional servicing. This item is described as having functioned as both a practical timepiece and as decorative jewelry in its period of use.

The Lyceum Perfine watch and its reflection, showing the octagonal case and bracelet.
The Lyceum Perfine watch and its reflection, showing the octagonal case and bracelet. — Ace Of Estates. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind cocktail watch
Maker / attribution
Lyceum Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1930s-1940s
Source-reported place
Swiss movement, US-cased

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 Construction

The watch is housed in an octagonal case that measures 17mm in width and 30mm from lug to lug. The exterior construction features a stainless steel back, which bears the mark 'Master Stainless Back USA', indicating its origin with the Master Watch Case Co. of the United States. This pairing of a domestic case with a foreign movement was a method employed to navigate historical import regulations.

The dial is fitted with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and features hands that match the tone of the indices. Given the dimensions and design, the watch was intended to serve as a decorative accessory, functioning as a piece of fine jewelry. Visible condition issues reported include surface scratching and tarnish consistent with age.

Evidence for this section
  • “housed in a distinct octagonal case manufactured by the Master Watch Case Co. of the USA, marked with a stainless steel back.”
  • “The dial is accented with gold-tone applied Arabic numerals and matching hands”
  • “The watch currently exhibits light signs of age, including surface scratching and tarnish”

Movement and Technical Profile

The timepiece is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement. According to the provided information, this movement was produced by the Swiss firm Lyceum Watch Co.

The functional status of the watch is currently impaired, as the auction description reports that the object requires professional servicing to restore its regular timekeeping function.

Evidence for this section
  • “17-jewel manual-wind movement, a choice favored for its reliable precision during the period.”
  • “Swiss movement, US-cased”
  • “requires professional servicing to restore its function.”

Provenance and Historical Context

This object is identified as a representative piece from the 1930s to the 1940s. The documentation indicates this is a Swiss-movement watch that was completed for the American market.

The record is derived from an auction-house listing. It is noted that while the movement is attributed to Lyceum, the case is a product of the Master Watch Case Co. The object is categorized as an antique cocktail watch, weighing 14.4 grams in total.

Evidence for this section
  • “classic example of early-to-mid 20th-century horology, reflecting the elegant, geometric aesthetics of the Art Deco and Retro eras.”
  • “these high-quality Swiss movements were frequently paired with American-made casings”
  • “14.4 grams”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific calibre of the 17-jewel movement inside the case?
  • Can the production date be further narrowed through the specific hallmarks on the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Lyceum Perfine cocktail watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLyceum Watch Co.“Originally manufactured by the Swiss firm Lyceum Watch Co.”
Movement17-jewel manual-wind“17-jewel manual-wind movement”
Case OriginMaster Watch Case Co. USA“manufactured by the Master Watch Case Co. of the USA”
Case MarkingsMaster Stainless Back USA“marked with a stainless steel back”
Dimensions17mm wide by 30mm lug-to-lug“17mm in width by 30mm lug-to-lug”
Total Weight14.4 grams“14.4 grams”
ConditionRequires servicing“requires professional servicing to restore its function.”

Visible details

  • The watch features a central, small rectangular/octagonal case.
  • The dial contains the text 'PERFINE' and '17 JEWELS'.
  • The bracelet appears to be a flexible link style with decorative embellishments.
  • The watch is displayed on a reflective surface in the provided photograph.

Research qualifications

  • The exact date within the 1930s-1940s range remains unverified.
  • The extent of internal movement wear is not documented beyond the statement that it requires servicing.

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

Consulted source

Lyceum Perfine 17-jewel Art Deco cocktail watch, c. 1930s-1940s

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c0d79404b8

Terms in this record

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