Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Marvin Art Deco open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch by Marvin Watch Co is reported to date from circa 1935 in Art Deco style. The steel case measures 46 mm in diameter by 8 mm deep, featuring stepped sides, a smooth finish, and a distinct U-shaped bow enclosing the winding crown. The black metal dial features rose gold-toned hands, dot hour markers, Roman numerals at XII, III, and IX, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The source records a 16-jewel nickel three-quarter plate movement signed with reference 871, adjusted to four positions with a Breguet hairspring.

Front view of the Marvin open face pocket watch showing the black dial and stepped steel case
Front view of the Marvin open face pocket watch showing the black dial and stepped steel case — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.atlam-watches.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Marvin Watch Co
Reference
871
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.213
Source-reported date
circa 1935
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Construction and Form

The timepiece is an open-face pocket watch in a steel case measuring 46 mm wide by 8 mm deep. Visually and as described by the seller, it features stepped sides, a smooth plain finish, and a prominent U-shaped bow enclosing the winding crown.

According to the listing source, the steel case is constructed with a snap-on back and bezel, and is fitted with a mineral glass crystal. It operates via stem winding and stem setting.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a steel open face case, which has a snap on back and bezel”
  • “smooth plain finish and stepped sides and a thick U shaped bow”
  • “The watch measures 46mm wide x 8mm deep”
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”
  • “The watch is stem wound / stem set”

Dial Design and Display

The dial is a black painted metal surface displaying rose gold-toned hands and numerals. Visible layout markings include Roman numerals at XII, III, and IX alongside dot hour markers across the remaining intervals.

A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed "Marvin, Swiss Made" beneath the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “the paint on metal black dial has rose coloured gold numbers and hands”
  • “The dial is signed “Marvin, Swiss Made””
  • “Black painted dial featuring rose-colored Roman numerals at XII, III, and IX, along with dot indexes”
  • “Auxiliary subsidiary seconds dial situated at 6 o'clock”

Reported Movement and Technical Specifications

The internal movement is not depicted in the provided photograph, so all mechanical details are based strictly on seller documentation. The seller describes a nickel three-quarter plate movement equipped with a lever escapement and gold train wheels.

According to the source, the movement is stamped 871 and signed “Marvin, Swiss Made, Breguet HSPG, 16 Jewels, 4 Adj”. The watch is reported to date from circa 1935, though serial numbers are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement with gold train wheels”
  • “The movement is signed “Marvin, Swiss Made, Breguet HSPG, 16 Jewels, 4 Adj” 871”
  • “made circa 1935”

Open research questions

  • What serial numbers or production markings appear on the movement or inside the case back to confirm the circa 1935 date?
  • Does direct visual inspection verify the reported nickel 3/4 plate layout, gold train wheels, and Breguet hairspring?
  • Does reference number 871 designate an in-house Marvin caliber or a sourced ebauche base?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marvin Art Deco open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker signatureMarvin, Swiss Made“The dial is signed “Marvin, Swiss Made””
Datecirca 1935“made circa 1935”
Movement details16 Jewels, 4 Adj, 871“The movement is signed “Marvin, Swiss Made, Breguet HSPG, 16 Jewels, 4 Adj” 871”
Case materialSteel“the movement comes in a steel open face case”
Dimensions46mm wide x 8mm deep“The watch measures 46mm wide x 8mm deep”
Stock code4.213“Code : 4.213”
Escapement and trainLever escapement with gold train wheels“lever escapement with gold train wheels”
Crystal typeMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass”
Winding and setting mechanismStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”

Visible details

  • Black painted dial featuring rose-colored Roman numerals at XII, III, and IX, along with dot indexes
  • Auxiliary subsidiary seconds dial situated at 6 o'clock
  • Stepped bezel and steel case with a prominent U-shaped bow
  • Winding crown set within the arch of the bow

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the supplied photograph; mechanical details rely on dealer description
  • Serial numbers are not provided by the source

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

Consulted source

Art Deco pocket watch by Marvin Watch Co c1935

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 6607bf7f9d

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records