Pocket watch · Key-wind pocket watch

Swiss Key-Wind Open-Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique mechanical pocket watch is source-attributed to Switzerland and dated to the late 19th to early 20th century. Powered by a key-wind and key-set mechanism, it is housed in a 46.5 mm silver-tone case featuring a hinged front bezel, outer rear lid, and an inner dust cuvette perforated with keyholes for winding and hand-setting. The white dial presents black Roman numerals, an outer minute scale, gilt triangular markers, and ornate pierced hands, showing noticeable chipping along the dial perimeter between 3 and 4 o'clock.

Oblique view of the open-face pocket watch showing the white Roman numeral dial, hinged front bezel, and opened cuvettes — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: secondhandhorology.com
Category: Pocket watch · Key-wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: WA-6018
Source-reported date: Late 1800s–Early 1900s
Country: 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 Architecture and Visible Construction

The timepiece is constructed in an open-face configuration with hinged access covers. The seller listing records a case size of 46.5 mm, an overall diameter of 58 mm including the crown, and a thickness of 15 mm. Direct observation shows the case band features fluted or notched decorative oval indentations around its circumference, and the hinged front crystal bezel swings open to reveal the dial perimeter.

At the rear, the listing describes the case as a double hinged hunter-style case with a double cuvette. When opened, the hinged inner metal cuvette reveals two apertures intended to accept a key for winding and setting.

Evidence for this section

“Case band features fluted or notched decorative oval indentations around its circumference.”
“Case Size: 46.5”
“Case Diameter w/Crown: 58”
“Case Thickness: 15”
“Front crystal bezel is swung open on its hinge, revealing the dial perimeter.”
“Hinged metal cuvette is swung open, showing two key access apertures.”
“Caseback: Hinged (double hinged hunter-style)”

Dial Presentation and Condition

Direct observation of the white dial shows black Roman numeral hour markers, gilt triangular accents, and an outer minute track, with time indicated by ornate pierced hands.

Physical condition assessment reveals visible substrate damage. Prominent chipping and enamel loss are observable along the dial edge between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions, visible where the front bezel is swung open.

Evidence for this section

“White dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, gilt triangular accents, and an outer minute track.”
“Prominent chipping and enamel loss are visible along the dial edge between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions.”
“Front crystal bezel is swung open on its hinge, revealing the dial perimeter.”

Mechanism and Source Attribution Discrepancies

The seller describes the movement as a mechanical key-wind and key-set mechanism, reporting that it was serviced in December 2025. However, the movement itself is obscured behind the closed inner dust cuvette in the provided photograph and cannot be directly observed.

The listing contains conflicting manufacturer details. While the general specifications list 'Brand: Waltham', the listing title, overview, and country of manufacture attribute the piece to Switzerland and date it to the late 1800s to early 1900s. Maker hallmarks and caliber signatures are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section

“Brand: Waltham”
“Country of Manufacture: Switzerland”
“Year / Era: Late 1800s–Early 1900s – Antique”
“Key wind / key set”
“SERVICED ON 12/2025”

Open research questions

What movement caliber and train layout are revealed when the inner cuvette is opened?
Are there Swiss assay hallmarks, silver purity stamps, or maker trademarks inside the casebacks to resolve the conflict between the Waltham brand entry and Swiss attribution?
Does the movement plate bear any serial number or maker signature?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss Key-Wind Open-Face Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
SKU	WA-6018	“SKU: WA-6018”
Country of Manufacture	Switzerland	“Country of Manufacture: Switzerland”
Movement Setting	Key wind / key set	“Key wind / key set”
Case Size	46.5 mm	“Case Size: 46.5”
Case Thickness	15 mm	“Case Thickness: 15”
Box and Papers	No	“Box & Papers: NO”

Visible details

White dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, gilt triangular accents, and an outer minute track.
Prominent chipping and enamel loss are visible along the dial edge between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions.
Front crystal bezel is swung open on its hinge, revealing the dial perimeter.
Case band features fluted or notched decorative oval indentations around its circumference.
Hinged metal cuvette is swung open, showing two key access apertures.

Research qualifications

Source specifications state 'Brand: Waltham' in the details table, but the title and text attribute manufacture to Switzerland; the maker remains unverified.
The movement itself is obscured behind the closed inner dust cuvette in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

Antique Swiss Key Wind Pocket Watch Double Cuvette Late 1800s – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a3e7d6c112

Terms in this record

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