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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Swiss silver three-body pocket watch with Ottoman coat of arms

Partially verified

This Swiss three-body silver pocket watch measures 5 cm in diameter and is dated to circa 1882–1912 based on Swiss export hallmarks. It features a gilt cylinder escapement with three ruby jewels. The white enamel dial is decorated with the Ottoman military coat of arms alongside the Cyrillic inscription «МАКЕДОНИЈА». The outer case reportedly bears the Cyrillic monogram «НВ». The watch is documented as retaining a hand-beaded folk ornament pouch, while the movement hands are noted as absent.

Front view of the silver pocket watch showing the enamel dial with Ottoman coat of arms and Cyrillic inscription
Front view of the silver pocket watch showing the enamel dial with Ottoman coat of arms and Cyrillic inscription — Gillers Antiques / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1734248
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1882–1912
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 Construction

This three-body pocket watch measures 5 cm in diameter and is housed in a silver case, which the seller reports features a Cyrillic monogram «НВ» on the exterior. The case is associated with the 1882–1912 period based on listed Swiss export hallmarks from the Neuchâtel and Jura regions.

The casing exhibits mechanical issues, specifically that the case latches are non-functioning. The watch is accompanied by a hand-beaded pouch described as featuring yellow and blue geometric folk ornamentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Swiss silver three-body pocket watch, 5 cm diameter, bearing authenticated hallmarks of 1882–1912 from the Neuchâtel and Jura export tradition.”
  • “The outer case bears the Cyrillic monogram «НВ».”
  • “Case latches non-functioning. Original beaded pouch present.”

Dial and Mechanism

The white enamel dial displays Ottoman/Eastern Arabic-style hour markers and features an emblem described as the Ottoman military coat of arms of the Tanzimat and Hamidian period. The dial includes the Cyrillic inscription «МАКЕДОНИЈА». Observed damage includes cracks to the enamel dial around the periphery and above the center arbor, where the hour and minute hands are absent.

The movement is reported to feature a gilt cylinder escapement with three ruby jewels, although this internal configuration is not verified by provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The enamel dial carries the Ottoman military coat of arms of the Tanzimat and Hamidian period and the Cyrillic inscription «МАКЕДОНИЈА»”
  • “Gilt cylinder escapement, three ruby jewels.”
  • “Cracks to enamel dial. Hands absent.”

Documentation and Attribution

The seller's description characterizes the piece as an object used by a Macedonian Orthodox officer in the Ottoman army. This interpretation relies on the dial's Cyrillic inscription. The dealer's metadata lists the condition as "Perfect condition," which is contradicted by the descriptive report of damaged enamel, missing hands, and broken latches.

Independent verification of the watch's movement or the historical accuracy of the provenance provided by the seller is not available in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “identifying the owner as a Macedonian Orthodox officer in the Ottoman army.”
  • “Condition: Perfect condition”
  • “Cracks to enamel dial. Hands absent. Case latches non-functioning.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific Swiss hallmark registers for the Neuchâtel and Jura regions for the period 1882–1912?
  • Is there documented evidence supporting the connection between the monogram «НВ» and Macedonian personnel in the Ottoman military?
  • Can the internal movement be observed to verify the presence of the gilt cylinder escapement and three ruby jewels?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss silver three-body pocket watch with Ottoman coat of arms
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case constructionSwiss silver three-body pocket watch“A Swiss silver three-body pocket watch”
Diameter5 cm“5 cm diameter”
Escapement and jewelsGilt cylinder escapement, three ruby jewels“Gilt cylinder escapement, three ruby jewels.”
Dial inscription«МАКЕДОНИЈА» in Cyrillic“the Cyrillic inscription «МАКЕДОНИЈА»”
Hallmark period1882–1912“bearing authenticated hallmarks of 1882–1912 from the Neuchâtel and Jura export tradition.”
Dimensions5 cm diameter“5 cm diameter”
MaterialSilver“Swiss silver three-body pocket watch”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Ottoman/Eastern Arabic-style hour markings and Turkish/Ottoman coat of arms emblem at center
  • Missing hour and minute hands at the center arbor
  • Visible damage and cracks to the enamel dial around the periphery and above the center

Research qualifications

  • Dealer listing describes condition as both 'Perfect condition' in metadata and 'Cracks to enamel dial. Hands absent. Case latches non-functioning' in text
  • Movement is not visible in the provided photos to verify cylinder escapement or jewel count

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Swiss Silver Watch, Ottoman Coat Of Arms, Cyrillic «македони

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 4e714d0668

Terms in this record

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

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