Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph

Swiss Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1935, this split-seconds chronograph pocket watch was made in Switzerland by an unidentified maker. Encased in silver bearing Swiss date marks, maker's initials 'GS', and number 24519, the watch contains a lever escapement movement stamped '25344, Swiss Made' alongside complex chronograph work. According to museum records, it is fitted with an enamel dial showing a subsidiary seconds dial and a 30-minute register. It was presented in 1946 by Somerset clockmaker Thomas Vickery to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers collection.

Open case back view showing the split-seconds chronograph mechanism and interior lid
Open case back view showing the split-seconds chronograph mechanism and interior lid — Science Museum Group/The Clockmakers' Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
L2015-3405
Source-reported date
c. 1935
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
25344

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 External Architecture

The timepiece is housed in a silver case featuring Swiss hallmarks. The hinged outer lid displays engine-turned circular graining on its interior surface. Externally, the case includes a large ribbed onion-style winding crown with a coaxial pusher, a case-band pusher, and a circular bow.

The case bears the maker's mark 'GS' and the serial number '24519'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver case with Swiss date marks, maker's mark 'GS' and '24519'.”
  • “Hinged outer case lid raised to reveal engine-turned circular graining on its inner surface”
  • “Large ribbed onion winding crown with coaxial pusher, flanked by a secondary case-band pusher and circular bow”

Movement and Chronograph Mechanism

The watch is powered by a movement featuring a lever escapement and chronograph mechanism. Internal components include gilt bridge plates supporting polished steel split-seconds chronograph levers, springs, and column wheels.

The movement is stamped with the identifier '25344' and the designation 'Swiss Made'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement with lever escapement and chronograph mechanism.”
  • “Gilt movement bridge plates fitted with polished steel split-seconds chronograph levers, springs, and column wheels”
  • “Stamped on the movement '25344, Swiss Made'”

Historical Provenance and Records

The maker of the watch is not recorded. Documentation notes the presence of an enamel dial featuring a subsidiary seconds dial and a 30-minute recording dial, though this component is not visible in the provided movement-side imagery.

The object is dated to circa 1935. It was presented in 1946 to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers by the Somerset clockmaker Thomas Vickery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Split-seconds chronograph by an unknown maker, Switzerland, c. 1935.”
  • “Enamel dial with subsidiary seconds dial and 30 minute recording dial.”
  • “Presented in 1946 to the museum of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers by the Somerset clockmaker Thomas Vickery.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Swiss assay office or year does the recorded date mark represent?
  • Can the 'GS' initials be definitively linked to a specific silver casemaker?
  • What specific archival details, if any, exist regarding the original assembly or retailer of movement '25344'?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swiss Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case marksGS and 24519“maker's mark 'GS' and '24519'”
Movement stamp25344, Swiss Made“Stamped on the movement '25344, Swiss Made'”
Case materialSilver“Silver case with Swiss date marks”
EscapementLever escapement“Movement with lever escapement and chronograph mechanism.”
Object numberL2015-3405“Object Number: L2015-3405”

Visible details

  • Hinged outer case lid raised to reveal engine-turned circular graining on its inner surface
  • Gilt movement bridge plates fitted with polished steel split-seconds chronograph levers, springs, and column wheels
  • Large ribbed onion winding crown with coaxial pusher, flanked by a secondary case-band pusher and circular bow

Research qualifications

  • The enamel dial described in source documentation is not visible in this movement-side view.
  • The maker remains unidentified beyond the case maker mark 'GS' and movement stamp 'Swiss Made'.

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

Consulted source

Split-seconds chronograph | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 4e7a7c6bee

Terms in this record

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