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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Swiss Cylinder Pocket Watch with Hebrew Dial and Chain

Partially verified

This Swiss-made pocket watch, originating from the early 20th century, features a silver-plated open-face case paired with a matching 280 mm link chain. The watch is distinguished by its dial, which displays Hebrew numerals, and a case back decorated with a cast relief depicting Moses holding the Tablets of the Ten Commandments. The dial is constructed from silver-plated metal, complemented by blued steel hands and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The case, pendant, and bow exhibit engraved and embossed ornamentation. The internal movement is a keyless, nickel-plated, three-quarter plate calibre utilizing a cylinder escapement. It includes a going barrel, a simple three-arm gold-plated balance, a blued steel hairspring, and a steel regulator.

Full view of the pocket watch with the chain and star charm.
Full view of the pocket watch with the chain and star charm. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
early 20th century
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 watch is presented in an open-face, silver-plated case that features decorative embossing on the bezel, middle case, and bow. The reverse side of the case incorporates a cast relief image depicting Moses holding the Tablets of the Ten Commandments, which serves as the primary visual focus of the exterior. The silver-plated dial displays Hebrew numerals in black, arranged in a traditional circular layout.

Completing the timekeeping interface are blued steel hands and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the bottom of the face. The ensemble includes a 280 mm silver-plated chain consisting of interlocking links. A notable component of this chain is a six-pointed star pendant, which is also silver-plated and features Hebrew characters finished in black enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “در یک قاب روباز (Open Face) نقره‌اندود (Silvered) به همراه زنجیر اختصاصی ارائه شده است”
  • “صفحه ساعت مزین به ارقام عبری است و قاب پشتی آن دارای نقش‌برجسته ریخته‌گری‌شده از حضرت موسی در حال قرائت الواح ده فرمان می‌باشد”
  • “زنجیر پیوندی حلقه‌ای نقره‌اندود به طول ۲۸۰ میلی‌متر با نشان ستاره شش‌پر نقره‌اندود وجود دارد که حروف عبری با میناکاری سیاه روی آن کار شده است”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a keyless, nickel-plated, three-quarter plate movement. The caliber is designed around a cylinder escapement, a common type for this configuration, and includes a simple three-arm gold-plated balance paired with a blued steel hairspring. The mechanism is wound and adjusted via the stem, eliminating the need for a separate key.

Technical control of the balance rate is facilitated by a steel regulator. The movement incorporates a going barrel to provide power to the gear train.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای صفحه سه‌چهارم (Three-quarter plate) با روکش نیکل است که بدون نیاز به کلید (Keyless) کوک و تنظیم می‌شود”
  • “این مکانیزم به چرخ‌دنگ استوانه‌ای (Cylinder escapement)، فنر رقاصک حلزونی فولادی آبی، رقاصک سه بازویی ساده با روکش طلایی و مخزن کوک متحرک (Going barrel) مجهز است”
  • “بر روی پل موتور خطوط و خراش‌های سطحی به چشم می‌خورد”

Technical Condition

The reported condition of the object focuses on the mechanical and cosmetic state of the watch and its accompanying chain. The seller has not provided specific details regarding the watch's current accuracy or its previous maintenance history.

Prospective owners are advised to conduct a thorough technical inspection of critical components. This includes verifying the condition of the cylinder escapement teeth and pivots, assessing the integrity of the mainspring, and evaluating the degree of wear on the silver-plated finish of both the watch case and the attached chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “از نظر وضعیت فنی، فروشنده کارکرد دقیق یا سابقه سرویس را ذکر نکرده است”
  • “علاقه‌مندان و مجموعه‌داران پیش از خرید باید سلامت دندانه‌های چرخ استوانه‌ای و پیوت‌های آن، وضعیت فنر اصلی و میزان ساییدگی پوشش نقره‌اندود قاب و زنجیر را مورد بررسی قرار دهند”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of this cylinder movement?
  • What is the exact provenance of the cast relief imagery used on the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss Cylinder Pocket Watch with Hebrew Dial and Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker locationSwitzerland“این ساعت جیبی ساخت سوئیس”
DateEarly 20th century“اوایل قرن بیستم”
Movement typeCylinder escapement“به چرخ‌دنگ استوانه‌ای (Cylinder escapement)”
Case typeOpen-face silver-plated“در یک قاب روباز (Open Face) نقره‌اندود (Silvered)”
Dial indicatorsHebrew numerals“صفحه ساعت مزین به ارقام عبری است”
Case back motifMoses and Ten Commandments“قاب پشتی آن دارای نقش‌برجسته ریخته‌گری‌شده از حضرت موسی در حال قرائت الواح ده فرمان می‌باشد”
Chain length280 mm“زنجیر پیوندی حلقه‌ای نقره‌اندود به طول ۲۸۰ میلی‌متر”
Movement finishNickel-plated“با روکش نیکل است”

Visible details

  • Case features cast relief imagery of Moses with the Ten Commandments
  • Dial uses Hebrew characters for time indicators
  • Chain includes a six-pointed star pendant with black enamel
  • Movement is a keyless wind design

Research qualifications

  • Current functional status and service history are unknown
  • Extent of wear on silver-plated surfaces is not quantified

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

Consulted source

Swiss Cylinder with Hebrew Dial and Chain

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8704f4f2b4

Terms in this record

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

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