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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

Taschenuhr für langjährige treue Mitarbeit von der Saargruben-Verwaltung

Partially verified

This half-hunter pocket watch is an award piece presented by the Saargruben administration for 30 years of service. The watch features a 900-grade silver case with a gilded rim and a ribbed winding crown at the twelve o'clock position. The white dial displays Arabic numerals, gold-colored hour and minute hands, a subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock, and the Saargruben emblem at twelve o'clock. The rear cover is guilloché-patterned with a monogram shield. Inside the case, various hallmarks include the German silver standard stamp and the serial number 770474. A dust cover protects the mechanical movement, bearing an engraved dedication on the inner side. The emblem on the dial represents a bifurcated shield showing a Prussian eagle and miners' tools (hammer and pick), separated by the name "SAARGRUBEN".

Front view of the Saargruben administration pocket watch, displaying the dial with the organizational emblem.
Front view of the Saargruben administration pocket watch, displaying the dial with the organizational emblem. — Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
westfalen.museum-digital.de
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
25711
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
770474

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 Dial

The watch is constructed with a 900-grade silver case featuring a distinct gilded rim, contributing to its decorative appearance. It functions as a half-hunter watch, where the crystal is set into the bezel cover. The crown is located at the twelve o'clock position, accompanied by a pendant loop suitable for attaching a watch chain.

The white dial contains a standard arrangement of Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds sub-dial located at the six o'clock position. The hands are gold-colored, maintaining the watch's cohesive design. A significant feature of the dial is the printed Saargruben emblem positioned at the twelve o'clock marker, identifying its corporate or administrative origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gehäuse aus 900er Silber , vergoldetem Rand”
  • “Das Uhrenglas ist in einem Deckel Lünette eingelassen”
  • “Unter dem Uhrenglas liegt ein weißes Zifferblatt mit arabischen Ziffern, Hilfsblatt für Sekunden”

Signatures, Marks and Dedication

The watch casing contains several important identification marks located on the interior. These include standard German silver control marks and a numeric sequence identifying the piece. A maker's mark in the form of a buffalo is also present, though not explicitly linked to a specific manufacturer in the source documentation.

Further identifying information is found on the movement's dust cover, or cuvette. This interior component features an engraved dedication, marking the watch as an official presentation piece for long-term service. The presence of these marks on both the interior case and the dust cover provides a consistent verification of the object's provenance and official issue status.

Evidence for this section
  • “Auf der Innenseite finden sich verschiedene Stempelmarken u.a. Kontroll- und Feingehaltstempel (Reichssilberstempel / 0,900), Herstellerlogo (Büffelmarke) und Zahlenfolge (770474)”
  • “Das Uhrwerk wird durch einen Staubdeckel (Cuvette) mit Widmung geschützt”

Institutional Emblem

The emblem featured on the watch dial symbolizes the Saargruben administration. It is rendered in the form of a bifurcated shield. The upper portion displays a Prussian eagle, specifically including a swastika on the eagle's breast, while the lower portion displays the traditional miners' symbols of the hammer and pick.

The two sections of the emblem are divided by the inscription "SAARGRUBEN". This specific graphic representation distinguishes the watch as an official gift rather than a standard commercial model.

Evidence for this section
  • “In der unteren Hälfte befindet sich Schlägel”
  • “Vergleichbare Uhren wurden mit einem zugehörigem Etui und Garantieurkunde verliehen”

Open research questions

  • Can the buffalo maker's mark be attributed to a specific German watch manufacturer active during the period of the Saargruben administration?
  • What is the specific date range for the production of these Saargruben service watches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Taschenuhr für langjährige treue Mitarbeit von der Saargruben-Verwaltung
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material900 grade silver“Gehäuse aus 900er Silber”
Serial number770474“770474”
Movement protectionInternal dust cover with dedication“Das Uhrwerk wird durch einen Staubdeckel (Cuvette) mit Widmung geschützt”

Visible details

  • Arabic hour numerals and subsidiary seconds dial
  • Saargruben emblem positioned at 12 o'clock
  • Gilded rim and crown with 12 o'clock pendant

Research qualifications

  • Manufacturer identity remains unconfirmed despite the buffalo hallmark
  • Exact date of manufacture is not specified in the source

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch for many years of loyal service from the Saargruben administration

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d905a9372b

Terms in this record

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

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