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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Spindle pocket watch

Pocket watch by Wilhelm Hoch

Partially verified

This spindle pocket watch, identified as an E1.10609, is attributed to the Liestal clockmaker Wilhelm Hoch (1750-1826) and dates to between 1780 and 1800. The watch features a nickel case with an engraved border and is equipped with a white enameled dial displaying black Roman numerals. The dial is signed "Hoch à Liestal" and includes a winding aperture at the one o'clock position. The time is indicated by copper filigree hands. The watch is protected by an arched, hinged glass cover held in a metal frame. The brass movement is hinged and features a chain-fusee drive, with "Hoch" and "à Liestal" engraved in script on the mechanism. The assembly includes a separate watch chain dated to 1902, measuring approximately 1.4 cm in width and 29.5 cm in length, which attaches to the watch via a small carabiner clip.

Spindle pocket watch by Wilhelm Hoch with attached multi-link chain.
Spindle pocket watch by Wilhelm Hoch with attached multi-link chain. — Archäologie und Museum Baselland. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.kimnet.ch
Category
Pocket watch · Spindle pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Wilhelm Hoch
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
E1.10609
Source-reported date
1780-1800
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 and Dial Construction

The pocket watch is housed in a nickel case finished with a border of simple patterns. The dial is constructed from white enamel and marked with black Roman numerals. A functional feature of the dial is the square winding hole positioned at the numeral one, allowing the watch to be wound with a key.

Protecting the dial is an arched, side-hinged cover made of glass with a metal frame. This protective mechanism is distinct from the watch casing itself, which encloses the movement. The copper hands are fashioned in a filigree style, providing a decorative contrast to the plain white enamel background of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gehäuse aus Nickel, umrandet mit einfachem Muster”
  • “Emailliertes, weisses Zifferblatt mit römischen, schwarzen Ziffern”
  • “Ein gewölbter, seitlich aufklappbarer Deckel aus Glas mit Metallfassung schützt das Zifferblatt”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece utilizes a spindle movement constructed of brass. The mechanism is designed to be hinged, allowing access for maintenance or viewing. Power is transmitted through a chain-fusee drive system, a common feature for watches of this period.

The identity of the maker is confirmed by engravings on the movement. These inscriptions, appearing in a flowing script, read "Hoch" and "à Liestal," confirming the attribution to the workshop of Wilhelm Hoch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Aufwändiges Uhrwerk aus Messing”
  • “Im Uhrwerk Gravur in geschwungener Schrift "Hoch" und "à Liestal”
  • “Das Uhrwerk ist ausklappbar. Die Uhr hat einen Kettenantrieb.”

Associated Chain

The object is accompanied by a flexible watch chain measuring 29.5 cm in length and approximately 1.4 cm in width. The documentation specifies that this component is dated to 1902, separate from the production period of the watch movement.

The chain is composed of multiple narrow links. It features a ring fastener at one end for attachment to a garment and is connected to the watch itself by a small carabiner hook.

Evidence for this section
  • “Die bewegliche Uhrenkette (ca. 1.4 cm breit und 29.5 cm lang) stammt von 1902 und besteht aus vielen schmalen Gliedern.”
  • “Am Kettenende hat es einen Ringverschluss zum Anbringen an der Kleidung. Mit einem kleinen Karabinerhaken ist die Uhr an der Kette befestigt.”

Open research questions

  • Is the case material nickel or silver, as both are mentioned in the source documentation?
  • Does the 1902 chain represent an intentional marriage of the watch with a new accessory, or is it an inventory-related addition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch by Wilhelm Hoch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWilhelm Hoch“Uhrmacher W. Hoch”
Date1780-1800“1780-1800”
Place of originLiestal“Herstellungsort Liestal”
Dial inscriptionsHoch à Liestal“Aufschrift "Hoch à Liestal”
Movement inscriptionsHoch, à Liestal“Im Uhrwerk Gravur in geschwungener Schrift "Hoch" und "à Liestal”
AccessoryWatch chain, 1902“Die bewegliche Uhrenkette (ca. 1.4 cm breit und 29.5 cm lang) stammt von 1902”

Visible details

  • Winding aperture at the one o'clock position
  • Copper filigree hands
  • Hinged glass protective cover over the dial
  • Multi-link watch chain with ring fastener

Research qualifications

  • The exact metallurgical composition of the case is inconsistently listed as nickel and silver in the source data
  • The 1902 date assigned to the chain suggests it is not original to the 18th-century watch movement

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch "Hoch à Liestal"

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 65b607f34e

Terms in this record

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

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