Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Mido silver niello pocket watch

Partially verified

This Swiss open-face pocket watch is signed Mido and dated by the dealer to the 1930s. The source describes a 49 mm diameter 800 silver case featuring niello decoration, stamped on the interior back with the Niel HF mark of Huguenin Frères of Le Locle. The movement is a manual stem-winding caliber marked with 15 jewels and three adjustments, signed MIDO and SWISS MADE. The dealer notes that an original micro regulator was removed. Visible features include a hinged back cover and an angular bow displaying dark decorative patterning above the winding crown.

Movement view of the Mido pocket watch with open hinged case back
Movement view of the Mido pocket watch with open hinged case back — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Mido
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA830768
Source-reported date
1930s
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

Movement & Technical Configuration

The movement is a Swiss manual stem-winding caliber displayed beneath a hinged case back. The visible nickel-finished bridges are engraved with the brand signature 'MIDO' along with 'SWISS MADE', '15 JEWELS', and '3 ADJ.'. A regulator scale marked with both 'A R' and 'F S' is situated adjacent to the balance assembly.

According to the dealer's description, the movement was originally equipped with a micro regulator that has been removed over time. The seller reports that the 15-jewel, three-adjustment mechanism is in working order, though timekeeping performance claims remain dealer assertions rather than verified lab tests.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged case back open to display a nickel-finished movement signed MIDO and marked SWISS MADE.”
  • “Bridges are engraved with '15 JEWELS' and '3 ADJ.'.”

Case Construction & Maker Attribution

The open-face case measures 49 mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown and bow. The dealer records the metal as 800 silver embellished with niello inlay work. Visual inspection of the shaped open bow above the winding crown confirms dark decorative patterning characteristic of niello.

The inner case back is reported by the seller to be stamped 'Niel HF' for Huguenin Frères of Le Locle, Switzerland, as well as bearing the 'Mido' name. The dealer describes the case as retaining good condition with only minor handling marks.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 49mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the loop.”
  • “The inner case back is stamped Niel HF, this is the mark of Huguenin Freres of Le Locle, Switzerland.”
  • “Shaped open bow attached above the winding crown shows dark niello decorative patterning.”

Reported Dial Features & Documentation Limits

The dial and the exterior pattern of the case back are not depicted in the provided photograph. According to the seller's cataloging, the dial retains an original finish with 'Turkish inspired numerals', blued steel hands, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register.

The dealer dates the watch to the 1930s, citing the 1934 registration of the Mido trademark. Specific movement caliber designations and case or movement serial numbers are not recorded in the available source materials.

Evidence for this section
  • “The signed dial is in its original finish with unusual Turkish inspired numerals and handsome blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and an outer minute track.”
  • “The movement is signed Mido, a name first registered by the Mido Watch Co of Biel and Solothurn in 1934.”

Open research questions

  • What specific base caliber is utilized beneath the Huguenin Frères case, and does a caliber stamp exist under the balance assembly?
  • What motif is executed in the niello inlay on the exterior case back and case band?
  • Do the dial numerals correspond to Eastern Arabic numerals typically found on Ottoman-market pocket watches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mido silver niello pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Jewel count15 jewels“The watch has a good quality Swiss stem-winding movement, 15 jewels, three adjustments”
Case diameter49mm“The watch measures 49mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the loop.”
Case material800 silver with niello“especially silver, in this case 800 silver.”
Case maker stampNiel HF (Huguenin Frères)“The inner case back is stamped Niel HF, this is the mark of Huguenin Freres of Le Locle, Switzerland.”
Movement modificationMicro regulator removed“There would originally have been a micro regulator but this has been removed over the years”
Inner case signatureMido“The inside of the case back also has the Mido name.”
Hands descriptionBlued steel“handsome blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and an outer minute track.”

Visible details

  • Hinged case back open to display a nickel-finished movement signed MIDO and marked SWISS MADE.
  • Bridges are engraved with '15 JEWELS' and '3 ADJ.'.
  • Regulator scale is marked 'A R' and 'F S' adjacent to the balance assembly.
  • Shaped open bow attached above the winding crown shows dark niello decorative patterning.

Research qualifications

  • Dial and exterior case back decoration are not visible in the supplied photograph.
  • The source notes that the original micro regulator has been removed from the movement.

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

Consulted source

1930s Mido Silver Niello Ware Pocket Watch | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d34460b3c1

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records