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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Cylinder pocket watch

Silver cylinder pocket watch with outer case

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch features a bar movement with a cylinder escapement, jewelled to the escape wheel. It is housed in a machine-engraved silver case fitted with a brass dome. The dial is enamel with a sub-dial. The watch is accompanied by a tinned steel outer case lined with red velvet, featuring a plastic window, and a steel and brass winding key. The case bears the engraving "Bravo" and the serial number 5350/25. The outer case is marked "Bravo 21 1/2". The object is held in the Applied Arts and Design collection at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The production date is not documented, and further technical specifications such as jewel count and calibre are currently unknown.

Front view of the open-face pocket watch showing the enamel dial with sub-dial, held in its tinned steel and velvet-lined protective case.
Front view of the open-face pocket watch showing the enamel dial with sub-dial, held in its tinned steel and velvet-lined protective case. — Auckland Museum Collections from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Cylinder pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
H251
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
5350/25

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 pocket watch is presented in an open-face configuration featuring a silver case adorned with machine engraving. The dial is composed of enamel and incorporates a secondary sub-dial for timekeeping. A brass dome is fitted to the interior of the case to protect the movement.

The assembly is accompanied by a tinned steel outer carrying case designed for added protection. This secondary container is lined with red velvet and features a plastic window. The object also includes a steel and brass winding key used for the manual operation of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open-face machine-engraved silver case with a brass dome”
  • “enamel dial with a sub-dial”
  • “accompanied by a tinned steel outer case lined with red velvet with a plastic window”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is described as a bar movement, which utilizes a cylinder escapement. The escapement is jewelled to the escape wheel, a characteristic noted in the museum documentation. The movement is marked with the term "Depose," which suggests a registered or deposited design or mark.

The movement also features a crescent moon and star marking, which is repeated on the exterior case. Beyond the basic escapement type, the technical specifications, including the full jewel count and the specific calibre of the movement, remain undocumented by the holding institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “bar movement with a cylinder escapement, jewelled to the escape wheel”
  • “Depose" on the movement”
  • “a crescent moon and star marking present on both the case and movement”

Inscriptions and Provenance

The watch displays several identifiers. The silver case is engraved with the name "Bravo" and the serial number 5350/25. The associated tinned steel outer case carries the additional mark "Bravo 21 1/2". The significance or nature of the "Bravo" mark is not established in the source text.

The object is part of the Applied Arts and Design collection at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and is identified by the accession number H251. The documentation currently acknowledges that research is required to further verify the origins, production date, and manufacturer of the specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bravo" on outside of case”
  • “Bravo 21 1/2" on outer case”
  • “museum number H251”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the "Bravo" marking on the case and outer case?
  • Does the crescent moon and star mark correspond to a specific region or manufacturer associated with the "Depose" mark?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver cylinder pocket watch with outer case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementBar movement with cylinder escapement, jewelled to the escape wheel“bar movement with a cylinder escapement, jewelled to the escape wheel”
Case compositionMachine-engraved silver with a brass dome“machine-engraved silver case fitted with a brass dome”
Outer caseTinned steel lined with red velvet and a plastic window“tinned steel outer case lined with red velvet with a plastic window”
Case signatureBravo“The case bears the engraving "Bravo”
Movement signatureDepose“Depose" on the movement”
MarkingsCrescent moon and star“a crescent moon and star marking present on both the case and movement”
Accession numberH251“museum number H251”

Visible details

  • Case features engine-turned/machine-engraved finish
  • Dial has Arabic numerals for minutes and Roman numerals for hours
  • Watch is displayed partially within its tinned steel outer protective case
  • A red museum accession label marked H251 is visible on the case

Research qualifications

  • Production date is not documented by the source
  • Jewel count and calibre have not been specified

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

Consulted source

Open-face silver cylinder pocket watch with outer case

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2c83a8a3ab

Terms in this record

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

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