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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-wind open face pocket watch

Swiss silver pocket watch with telephone dial and chain

Partially verified

This antique Swiss open-face pocket watch dates to circa 1880 and features a 0.935 fine silver case measuring 36 mm in diameter. It displays a distinctive white enamel telephone dial, characterized by Arabic numerals set within individual circular medallions, surrounded by floral decorations and gilt scrolling. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a key-wind cylinder bar movement fitted with gilt finger bridges, blued screws, and an index regulator. The piece is accompanied by an ornate decorative Albert chain with circular relief medallions and a T-bar.

Dial view of the silver pocket watch encircled by its decorative Albert chain and T-bar
Dial view of the silver pocket watch encircled by its decorative Albert chain and T-bar — Euro Antique Watches / Antiques Atlas. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-wind open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as834a538
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
11887

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 Exterior

The watch is housed in an engraved silver case with ornamental patterns and a central cartouche on the reverse. The interior of the case is stamped '0.935' and includes the serial number '11887'.

The timepiece measures 36 mm in diameter and is accompanied by a decorative chain and T-bar.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner part of the case is Stamped 0.935 Numbered 11887”
  • “Diameter: 36mm”
  • “The watch is housed in an engraved fine silver case with intricate ornamental patterns and a central free monogram cartouche on the reverse.”
  • “It is complemented by a decorative chain and T-bar”

Dial Configuration

The watch features a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals enclosed in individual circular medallions, a style referred to as a 'telephone dial'.

The dial displays outer minute divisions, blued hands, and floral decorations.

Evidence for this section
  • “The pretty white enamel dial has Arabic numerals with circles around them, which is called in watch dealer language: “a telephone dial” and outer minute divisions.”
  • “The dial has blued hands and around the dial lovely flower decorations.”

Mechanical Specifications

The watch utilizes a key-wind cylinder bar movement featuring gilt-finished finger bridges and blued screws.

According to the listing, the movement includes a jewelled cylinder escapement, an index regulator, and a visible balance wheel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Key wind cylinder bar movement with gilt-finished finger bridges and blued screws.”
  • “The movement features a jewelled cylinder escapement, visible balance wheel and regulator index for adjustment.”

Open research questions

  • What specific manufacturing marks, beyond the 0.935 fineness, exist on the movement or inner case to confirm Swiss origin?
  • Does the serial number 11887 correspond to a specific known manufacturer within existing Swiss watchmaker registers?
  • Can the 'telephone dial' design be chronologically linked to specific production periods in the late 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss silver pocket watch with telephone dial and chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialFine silver stamped 0.935“The inner part of the case is Stamped 0.935”
Case serial number11887“Numbered 11887”
Movement typeKey wind cylinder bar movement“Key wind cylinder bar movement with gilt-finished finger bridges and blued screws.”
Diameter36mm“Diameter: 36mm”
Weight56.2gr“Weight:56.2gr”
Weight56.2 grams“Weight:56.2gr”
MaterialFine silver“crafted in fine silver”

Visible details

  • Telephone dial configuration displaying Arabic numerals inside round medallions
  • Gilt decorative foliage and outer scrollwork surrounding the hour circles
  • Linked Albert-style silver chain with relief-medallion segments and attached T-bar

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the movement and case is unsigned and unidentified.
  • The movement is described in text but not shown in this photograph.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Silver Swiss Pretty Telephone Dial P/W 1880s Pocket Watch as834a538

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record cb2c0307a3

Terms in this record

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