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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Dress pocket watch

Raffard Geneva Silver Pocket Watch and Albert Chain

Partially verified

This Swiss silver dress pocket watch and accompanying silver Albert chain date to approximately 1900. Manufactured by Raffard Geneva, the watch measures 44mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness. It features a white enamel dial with black numerals and Breguet hands. The movement is a Swiss-made triple finger bridge type, protected by an internal dust cover, and requires a key for winding. The case exterior exhibits a machined, engine-turned pattern. The set is presented in an antique box marked with the jeweler's name, T.R. Russell of Liverpool. The watch is accompanied by a bar link Albert chain with a T-bar, both marked with hallmarking from the period. A winding key is also included as part of the set. The components are housed within their historical retail container, which bears the mark of a royal warrant holder.

The Raffard Geneva pocket watch displayed in its antique box alongside the silver Albert chain and T-bar.
The Raffard Geneva pocket watch displayed in its antique box alongside the silver Albert chain and T-bar. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Dress pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Raffard Geneva
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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

The timepiece is constructed in silver with a slim profile, measuring 44mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness, facilitating its use as a dress or opera watch. The exterior of the case features a machined, engine-turned finish on the back. A top bow with a screw fixing is attached to the pendant.

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals paired with Breguet hands. The overall assembly is designed to be housed within a provided antique box, which also contains the accompanying silver Albert chain and a winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “slim 44mm diameter which is defined more as a dress watch and a mere 15mm thickness”
  • “pristine machined back”
  • “crystal-clear white enamel dial, adorned with classic black numerals and elegant Breguet hands”

Movement and Winding

The watch is equipped with a Swiss-made triple finger bridge movement. The mechanism is protected from environmental debris by an internal dust cover. Access to the movement for maintenance is provided through this internal barrier.

As a key-wound timepiece, the watch requires an external tool for manual winding. The original winding key is provided as part of the set to facilitate this procedure.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss-made triple finger bridge quality movement, enclosed with a dust cover”
  • “A watch key, essential for the meticulous winding process, accompanies this set.”

Accessories and Provenance

The set includes a 15-inch bar link Albert chain in silver, featuring a T-bar and fastener that carry hallmarking from the period. This ensemble is contained within an antique watch box identified with the name T.R. Russell of Liverpool, a jeweler who held the status of 'A MAKER TO THE QUEEN'.

The box contains the jeweler's name on both the exterior and the interior.

Evidence for this section
  • “bar link Albert chain in silver, featuring a distinctive T-bar and fastener, all marked with the hallmark from the same era”
  • “box, marked with the jeweler's name T.R. Russell of Liverpool, A MAKER TO THE QUEEN”
  • “The jeweler's name is not only imprinted on the outside of the box but also graces the interior”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific silver standard or hallmark present on the watch case and chain?
  • Is there additional information available regarding the relationship between Raffard Geneva and T.R. Russell of Liverpool?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Raffard Geneva Silver Pocket Watch and Albert Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRaffard Geneva“crafted circa 1900 by Raffard Geneva”
Datecirca 1900“crafted circa 1900”
Watch Diameter44mm“slim 44mm diameter”
Watch Thickness15mm“mere 15mm thickness”
Movement TypeTriple finger bridge“Swiss-made triple finger bridge quality movement”
Case DecorationMachined back“pristine machined back”
Chain TypeBar link Albert chain“unusual bar link Albert chain in silver”
Box MarkingsT.R. Russell of Liverpool“jeweler's name T.R. Russell of Liverpool”

Visible details

  • Machined engine-turned pattern on the case back
  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals
  • Triple finger bridge movement construction visible behind the dust cover
  • Bar link Albert chain with T-bar fastener

Research qualifications

  • Exact metal composition of the silver is not specified beyond 'silver'
  • The specific year of manufacture is estimated as 'circa 1900'

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره Raffard Geneva همراه با زنجیر و جعبه آنتیک حدود ۱۹۰۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 449b09a4e9

Terms in this record

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

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