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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triangular retrograde pocket watch

Record Watch Co. Sector Watch 'Triangle' open-face pocket watch

Partially verified

According to the auction source, this open-face keyless-winding pocket watch was manufactured by the Record Watch Co. in Tramelan, Switzerland, circa 1910. The timepiece is built in a distinctive Art Nouveau triangular sector form, displaying time via retrograde hands across an arched sector. Its white enamel dial is inscribed 'TRIANGLE' and features radial Arabic hour numerals from 0 to 12 along with an outer minute scale. The 0.800 silver case, documented with case number 1 699, was crafted by Holy Frères of Saint-Imier.

Dial and front view of the triangular silver Record Sector Watch with retrograde hands
Dial and front view of the triangular silver Record Sector Watch with retrograde hands — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Triangular retrograde pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Record Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
149
Source-reported date
circa 1910
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1 699

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 Form

The watch features an open-face, 0.800 silver case formed in a triangular sector shape. According to the auction listing, the case was produced by Holy Frères of Saint-Imier and is designated case number 1 699, with catalog dimensions of 71.5 mm in height including the bow and 59.8 mm in width.

Visual observation of the front reveals an engraved silver bezel decorated with trellis and foliate patterns, along with a heart-shaped lower pendant bow at the bottom vertex and a contrasting fluted gold-toned winding crown at the upper apex. The case back is described in the auction text as being engraved with a sunburst motif featuring alternating polished and engraved sectors, though this feature is not visible in the front-facing photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case No. 1 699 (by Holy Frères, Saint-Imier)”
  • “Height 71.5 (including the bow) Width 59.8 mm.”
  • “Case-back engraved with a sunburst motif (alternate polished and engraved sectors).”
  • “Engraved silver bezel with trellis and foliate patterns, accompanied by a heart-shaped lower pendant bow.”
  • “Contrasting fluted gold-toned winding crown located at the upper apex.”

Dial Configuration and Display

The dial is a fan-shaped triangular white enamel sector inscribed 'TRIANGLE' in block lettering across the upper center. The time display consists of an arched retrograde scale featuring radial Arabic numerals from 0 through 12, complemented by an outer 0–60 minute track marked with red five-minute graduations.

Time is indicated by blued steel pear-form hands originating from the lower vertex. The auction catalog reports that the hands are original and notes the presence of dial hairlines and chipping beneath the bezel that is not visible when closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fan-shaped triangular white enamel dial inscribed 'TRIANGLE' in block lettering.”
  • “Curved retrograde track indicating hours 0 through 12, flanked by an outer 0–60 minute track with red five-minute markers.”
  • “White enamel dial with radial Arabic numerals; blued steel “Pear” hands.”
  • “Dial: 3-71-73-01 Good ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Chipped under bezel,not visible when closed HANDS Original”

Reported Movement and Patent Heritage

Because the case is closed in the available view, the movement cannot be directly inspected. The catalog lists the caliber as an unnumbered 21 ½ x 15’’’ triangular-shaped movement made of rhodium-plated metal, featuring a straight-line lever escapement, going barrel, uncut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, blued steel hairspring with terminal curve, and a polished steel index-regulator.

According to the catalog notes, the movement construction is based on Swiss invention patent No. 27 961, granted on April 9, 1903, to Giovanni Sgherlino of Turin for a 'Pièce d’horlogerie'. A copy of this patent was reported included with the lot. Auction condition notes describe the movement as signed, slightly oxidized, slightly scratched, and recommended for an overhaul at the buyer's expense.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement 21 ½ x 15’’’, fancy triangular-shaped, rhodium-plated metal, going barrel, straight-line lever escapement, uncut bimetallic compensated balancewith gold poising screws and blued steel hairspring with terminal curve, polished steel index-regulator.”
  • “Movement based on the Swiss invention patent No. 27 961, delivered on April 9, 1903, to Giovanni Sgherlino, Turin, for a “Pièce d’horlogerie”.”
  • “Accessories copy of the invention patent”
  • “Movement: 3-6-8* Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Signature movement”

Open research questions

  • What specific inscription or hallmark constitutes the movement signature noted in the catalog?
  • Are case maker stamps or Swiss silver control marks present on the inside of the case back alongside case number 1 699?
  • Does the retrograde mechanism utilize a rack-and-pinion design or a cam-and-spring assembly under the dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Record Watch Co. Sector Watch 'Triangle' open-face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRecord Watch Co., Tramelan (Bernese Jura)“Brand Record Watch Co., Tramelan (Bernese Jura)”
Case Number1 699“Case No. 1 699 (by Holy Frères, Saint-Imier)”
MaterialSilver (0.800)“Silver (0.800), open-face, keyless-winding, fancy triangular-shaped”
Caliber21 ½ x 15'''“Caliber 21 ½ x 15’’’, straight-line lever escapement”
DimensionsHeight 71.5 mm (including bow), Width 59.8 mm“Height 71.5 (including the bow) Width 59.8 mm.”
Weight100.5 g (approx.)“Weight 100.5 gr. (approx.)”
Movement Caliber SignatureSigned on movement“Signature movement”
AccompanimentsCopy of the invention patent“Accessories copy of the invention patent”

Visible details

  • Fan-shaped triangular white enamel dial inscribed 'TRIANGLE' in block lettering.
  • Curved retrograde track indicating hours 0 through 12, flanked by an outer 0–60 minute track with red five-minute markers.
  • Blued steel pear-form retrograde hands centered at the lower vertex.
  • Engraved silver bezel with trellis and foliate patterns, accompanied by a heart-shaped lower pendant bow.
  • Contrasting fluted gold-toned winding crown located at the upper apex.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is unnumbered and concealed beneath the closed case in the photograph.
  • Sunburst case-back engraving is reported by the auction house but not visible in this dial-side view.

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

Consulted source

Record Watch & Co. Art Nouveau triangular pocket watch, retrograde hands; “Sector Watch” “Triangle”; silver | Only Online Auction | Geneva, September 22, 2021

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 71af69fece

Terms in this record

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