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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Rectangular rolling balls wristwatch

Melik Mido rectangular wristwatch

Partially verified

Catalogued under number 357577 and dated by the auction source to circa 1930, this rectangular Melik Mido wristwatch measures 30 by 24 mm. According to the catalogue description, the watch features a chromium-plated metal case and a manual-winding movement driving a rolling ball time reading system. The light dial bears Roman numerals at the cardinal positions, outer circular track markings, and the inscriptions 'MELIK-MIDO' and 'FAB. SUISSE', fitted to a textured brown leather strap.

Melik Mido rectangular rolling ball wristwatch, no. 357577
Melik Mido rectangular rolling ball wristwatch, no. 357577 — Boule Monaco. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Rectangular rolling balls wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Melik Mido
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
130
Source-reported date
vers 1930
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
357577

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 Exterior Format

The timepiece features a rectangular metallic case catalogued with dimensions of 30 by 24 mm. The auction description specifies that the case is made of chromium-plated metal ('Une rare montre rectangulaire en métal chromé').

A winding crown is visible along the right case flank, and the watch is fitted with a textured dark brown leather strap. Details such as the specific base metal underneath the plating and the interior case markings are not stated in the auction description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dim 30 x 24 mm”
  • “Une rare montre rectangulaire en métal chromé”
  • “Winding crown visible on the right case flank”
  • “Rectangular metallic case fitted to a textured dark brown leather strap”

Dial Configuration and Rolling Ball Display

The auction description notes a white dial ('cadran blanc') featuring a rolling balls time reading mechanism ('système de lecture de l'heure à "billes roulantes"'). The face displays a central circular aperture with concentric rings housing the rolling ball indicators.

The dial is calibrated with printed Roman numerals at XII, III, VI, and IX alongside radial track markings. Printed inscriptions read 'MELIK-MIDO' beneath the XII numeral and 'FAB. SUISSE' beneath the VI numeral.

Evidence for this section
  • “cadran blanc”
  • “système de lecture de l'heure à "billes roulantes"”
  • “Central circular aperture with concentric rings housing rolling ball indicators”
  • “Dial printed with Roman numerals at XII, III, VI, and IX alongside radial track calibrations”
  • “Inscriptions read 'MELIK-MIDO' beneath XII and 'FAB. SUISSE' beneath VI”

Movement and Source Context

The auction catalogue identifies the watch as having a manual-winding movement ('remontage manuel') and dates the piece to circa 1930 ('vers 1930'), identified under lot number 130 and item number 357577.

The internal movement and inner caseback are not depicted or described in the auction record. Technical aspects such as calibre identity, jewel count, and component finishing are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “remontage manuel”
  • “vers 1930”
  • “Melik Mido, n° 357577”
  • “Lot 130 : Melik Mido, n° 357577, vers 1930. …”

Open research questions

  • What specific calibre powers the rolling ball display mechanism, and does the movement carry Melik or Mido factory signatures?
  • Where is the number 357577 stamped on the watch (movement, inner caseback, or exterior caseback)?
  • What specific base alloy was used beneath the chromium plating of the rectangular case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Melik Mido rectangular wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial Number357577“Melik Mido, n° 357577”
Case MaterialChromium-plated metal“Une rare montre rectangulaire en métal chromé”
Display MechanismRolling balls“système de lecture de l'heure à "billes roulantes"”
MovementManual winding“remontage manuel”
Dimensions30 x 24 mm“Dim 30 x 24 mm”
Dial ColorWhite“cadran blanc”
Auction Catalogued Datecirca 1930“vers 1930”
Lot Number130“Lot 130 : Melik Mido, n° 357577, vers 1930. …”

Visible details

  • Rectangular metallic case fitted to a textured dark brown leather strap
  • Central circular aperture with concentric rings housing rolling ball indicators
  • Dial printed with Roman numerals at XII, III, VI, and IX alongside radial track calibrations
  • Inscriptions read 'MELIK-MIDO' beneath XII and 'FAB. SUISSE' beneath VI
  • Winding crown visible on the right case flank

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior caseback are not shown in the auction documentation
  • Mechanism calibre and exact base metal underneath chromium plating are not specified

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Melik Mido, n° 357577, vers 1930. …

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 79536421ee

Terms in this record

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