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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Schild Frères & Co. Large Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This early 20th-century Swiss pocket watch by Schild Frères & Co. features an open-face format in a nickel-plated case measuring 56 mm wide excluding the crown. The white dial displays bold Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. It is signed 'SCHILD FRÈRES & Co' beneath the 12 o'clock position. The seller reports that the watch is powered by a 15-jewel manual-wind movement featuring a pin-setting mechanism and gilt finish.

Front view of Schild Frères & Co. open-face pocket watch
Front view of Schild Frères & Co. open-face pocket watch — empressissi. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
empress.cc
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Schild Frères & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
early 1900s
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

Dial and Visual Appearance

The open-face pocket watch features a white dial characterized by prominent black Roman hour numerals and an outer track for tracking minutes. Directly beneath the 12 o'clock position, the dial is signed 'SCHILD FRÈRES & Co'.

At the 6 o'clock position is a subsidiary seconds register featuring Arabic numerals marking ten-second intervals. Physical observations note a fluted rounded crown with a circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock, alongside a pin-set pusher visible on the case shoulder near the 1 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with prominent black Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals marking ten-second intervals.”
  • “Signed 'SCHILD FRÈRES & Co' below the 12 o'clock numeral.”
  • “Fluted rounded crown with a circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock.”
  • “Pin-set pusher visible on the case shoulder near the 1 o'clock position.”

Case Construction and Dimensions

According to the source listing, the pocket watch is housed in a nickel-plated case measuring 56 mm from side to side, excluding the crown. The seller describes the case as large and retaining its crown, bow, and crystal.

The front photograph shows an open-face configuration with the crown and bow at the 12 o'clock position, though the case back, interior markings, and underlying metal composition are not recorded in the source or visible in the imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is cased in a large nickel plated case with original crystal, crown and bow”
  • “56mm side to side (excluding crown)”

Reported Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is not visible in the provided photograph, and its internal specifications rely entirely on seller reporting. The listing states that the watch is powered by an early Swiss Schild manual-wind movement featuring 15 jewels and a gilt finish.

The seller describes time-setting via a pin-setting mechanism, which corresponds to the visible pusher on the case shoulder near 1 o'clock. The listing dates the piece broadly to the 'early 1900s'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch houses an early Swiss SCHILD good quality manual wind movement with pin setting in gilt finish, 15 jewels”
  • “early 1900s”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber designation or caliber number is stamped on the movement?
  • Are there manufacturer hallmarks, patent stamps, or serial numbers inside the case back?
  • What base metal lies beneath the reported nickel plating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Schild Frères & Co. Large Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement jewels15 jewels“15 jewels”
Case materialNickel plated“nickel plated case”
Case diameter56mm“56mm side to side (excluding crown)”
Setting mechanismPin setting“manual wind movement with pin setting”
Movement finishGilt finish“gilt finish”

Visible details

  • White dial with prominent black Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals marking ten-second intervals.
  • Signed 'SCHILD FRÈRES & Co' below the 12 o'clock numeral.
  • Pin-set pusher visible on the case shoulder near the 1 o'clock position.
  • Fluted rounded crown with a circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Movement specifications (15 jewels, gilt finish) and case plating material rely entirely on source reporting.

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

Consulted source

1900s SCHILD FRERES Swiss Large Pocket Watch – empressissi

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 44fbc776b1

Terms in this record

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

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