Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

Pocket watch

Partially verified

This half-hunter pocket watch, held in the collection of the Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum, is characterized by its white enamel dial and functional design. The watch features Roman numerals and an auxiliary seconds dial, commonly referred to as a small seconds dial, positioned at the six o'clock mark. Due to the presence of this sub-dial, the indices for the numerals five, six, and seven are partially obscured. The case is constructed with a fluted crown utilized for winding and a pendant featuring a round bow at the twelve o'clock position. The timepiece includes a hinged back cover, which is detailed with an exterior cartouche and inscribed with the number 1770 internally. A dust cover protects the movement, and the same number sequence appears on its reverse. The watch incorporates a push-piece at the one o'clock position for hand setting, which also requires the use of a small pin.

Front view of the half-hunter pocket watch showing the enamel dial, roman numerals, and small seconds sub-dial.
Front view of the half-hunter pocket watch showing the enamel dial, roman numerals, and small seconds sub-dial. — Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum via Europeana. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
/1043/item_3VSLQ7Q4U6GEASOGDQCRFHDZDUNBC7TF
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
1770

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 Design

The watch is designed as a half-hunter model, featuring a case that incorporates a hinged back cover decorated with a round cartouche on its exterior. The watch glass is fitted into a lid equipped with a bezel. At the top of the case, a fluted crown serves as the winding mechanism, accompanied by a pendant featuring a round bow suitable for attachment to a chain at the twelve o'clock position.

The dial is finished in white enamel and is marked with Roman numerals. An auxiliary seconds dial, positioned at the six o'clock mark, occupies space that overlaps with the numerals five, six, and seven, rendering these digits incomplete. The case measures 49 mm in diameter and 14 mm in height, with a total length of 68 mm including the bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “Half-hunter pocket watch with case, fluted crown (crown-winding) and pendant with round bow for attaching a watch chain at position 12.”
  • “The hinged back cover with opening lip is decorated on the exterior with a round cartouche.”
  • “Under the watch glass lies a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and an auxiliary seconds dial ("small seconds") at position 6.”

Mechanical Features and Markings

The watch utilizes a crown-winding system for energy replenishment. The setting of the time is performed through a specific procedure involving a hand-setting push-piece located at the one o'clock position on the side of the case, requiring the user to operate a small pin with a fingernail while adjusting the crown. A dust cover, known as a cuvette, provides additional protection for the internal movement.

The watch displays the number 1770 on the interior of the hinged back cover. This same numerical sequence is repeated on the exterior of the movement's dust cover. These markings serve as the primary identifiers for this specific specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the side of the case at position 1 there is also the hand-setting push-piece.”
  • “The movement is protected by a dust cover (cuvette), on the back of which the number sequence is repeated.”
  • “The inside of the cover is marked "1770".”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is currently registered and held within the Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum. The documentation indicates that the watch is composed of various materials, including enamel, assorted metals, and metal alloys, and potentially some synthetic materials. The source record for this object is provided via the Europeana aggregator, though full physical verification remains ongoing.

The object is documented as an individual type under the reference ID /1043/item_3VSLQ7Q4U6GEASOGDQCRFHDZDUNBC7TF. Current museum descriptions provide the physical specifications and functional features, though historical provenance or precise manufacturing details have not yet been fully established by independent specialists.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pocket watch is held by Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum.”
  • “Europeana record /1043/item_3VSLQ7Q4U6GEASOGDQCRFHDZDUNBC7TF”

Open research questions

  • What is the horological significance of the '1770' serial number in relation to the Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum collection?
  • Can the specific metallurgical composition be identified to assist in dating the manufacture of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement markings1770“The inside of the cover is marked "1770".”
Case diameter49 mm“Durchmesser: 49 mm”
Case length68 mm“Länge: 68 mm”
Case height14 mm“Höhe: 14 mm”
Winding mechanismCrown-winding“fluted crown (crown-winding)”
Setting mechanismPin-set with push-piece“Setting the hands is done via the crown while using a fingernail on a small pin at.”
Holding InstitutionMontanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum“Pocket watch is held by Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum.”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Small seconds sub-dial at position 6
  • Fluted winding crown with round bow at position 12
  • Hand-setting push-piece at position 1

Research qualifications

  • Material composition remains unverified as source lists various metals and synthetic materials
  • Specific date and manufacturer details are currently missing from the museum records

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch (Montanhistorisches Dokumentationszentrum)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 29d084e1c7

Terms in this record

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

Other half hunter pocket watch records