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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lapel pendant watch

Swiss Ladies' Lapel Pendant Watch Retailed by Henry Birks & Sons

Partially verified

This early 20th-century Swiss pendant watch is retailed by Henry Birks & Sons and dated to circa 1910. The piece is housed in a sterling silver case finished with rose gold plating, suspended from a sterling silver fleur-de-lis brooch set with five turquoise beads. Its white enamel dial features stylized Arabic numerals, an outer minute track with dotted metallic accents, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock beneath the retailer's signature. According to the seller, it is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement using a pin-set mechanism, and the case back is engraved with a monogram framed by foliate scrollwork.

Front view of the pendant watch suspended from the fleur-de-lis lapel attachment
Front view of the pendant watch suspended from the fleur-de-lis lapel attachment — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lapel pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Henry Birks & Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SSHO 3840
Source-reported date
Circa 1910
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 Attachment

The pendant watch features a sterling silver case with a rose gold finish. The watch is suspended from a sterling silver fleur-de-lis brooch attachment set with five turquoise beads.

The reverse of the case is reported to feature an engraved monogram surrounded by foliate scrollwork. This detail is not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Sterling Silver Case With Rose Gold Finish”
  • “Sterling Silver Fleur De Lis Attachment Five Turquoise Beads”
  • “The reverse is finished with an engraved monogram surrounded by flowing foliate scrollwork”

Dial and Configuration

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed 'HENRY BIRKS & SONS' beneath the 12 o'clock position.

An outer minute track with dotted metallic accents is present on the dial. A pin-set push piece is located on the case rim adjacent to the winding crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and gold beaded minute track accents.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Dial signed 'HENRY BIRKS & SONS.' below 12 o'clock.”
  • “Pin-set push piece visible adjacent to the winding crown on the case rim.”

Movement and Dating

The source describes the watch as containing a 17-jewel manual-wind movement with a pin-set mechanism. The identity of the movement manufacturer is not stated.

The piece is dated to circa 1910.

Evidence for this section
  • “17 Jewel Manual Pin Set Movement”
  • “Circa 1910”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the base Swiss manufacturer concealed beneath the Birks retailer signature?
  • Does the hallmark on the interior case back confirm the silver purity and identify the specific Swiss case maker?
  • Is there evidence to confirm if the rose gold finish is an original plating or a later application?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss Ladies' Lapel Pendant Watch Retailed by Henry Birks & Sons
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialSterling silver with rose gold finish“Sterling Silver Case With Rose Gold Finish”
Movement17-jewel manual pin-set movement“17 Jewel Manual Pin Set Movement”
AttachmentSterling silver fleur-de-lis with five turquoise beads“Sterling Silver Fleur De Lis Attachment Five Turquoise Beads”
DateCirca 1910“Circa 1910”
RetailerHenry Birks & Sons“Swiss Retailed Henry Birks & Sons”
Lot IDSSHO 3840“SKU: SSHO 3840”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and gold beaded minute track accents.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Fleur-de-lis brooch attachment set vertically with five turquoise cabochon beads.
  • Pin-set push piece visible adjacent to the winding crown on the case rim.
  • Dial signed 'HENRY BIRKS & SONS.' below 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The 17-jewel movement and the monogrammed case back are described in the source listing but not shown in the single provided photograph.
  • The specific Swiss manufacturer is unspecified beyond retailer branding.

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

Consulted source

Swiss Ladies' Lapel Pendant Watch by Henry Birks & Son - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record f9f34477e3

Terms in this record

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