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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Tavannes sterling silver pocket watch and Albert chain

Partially verified

This Tavannes pocket watch is accompanied by a graduated sterling silver Albert chain and fob, housed in a velvet, leather, and silk-lined box. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals, blue steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The movement is a three-finger Swiss bridge design containing 15 jewels, three adjustments, and gold jewel cups. Measuring 48 mm in diameter, the timepiece is enclosed in an English sterling silver case manufactured by Dennison, which is hallmarked for Birmingham, 1937. The accompanying 11-inch graduated Albert chain includes a two-inch drop for the fob, with individual links hallmarked. The fob itself incorporates an open shield design on the obverse and faint scrollwork on the reverse. The set has a total weight of 38 grams and is reported to be in functional condition.

Tavannes sterling silver pocket watch with Albert chain and fob in original box.
Tavannes sterling silver pocket watch with Albert chain and fob in original box. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Tavannes Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1937
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 Dial

The watch is housed in an English sterling silver case produced by Dennison. The exterior features an open cartouche intended for personalization. Hallmarks present on the case confirm its manufacture in Birmingham in 1937.

The dial is white enamel and displays black Arabic numerals. It includes blue steel hands and a small subsidiary seconds dial situated at the 6 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “fine English sterling silver case by famous maker Dennison”
  • “The white enamel dial is perfect with black Arabic numerals , blue steel hands and small seconds dial at number 6 position.”
  • “The sterling case is all fine with an open cartouche ready for his initials.”
  • “The case is clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1937.”

Movement

The timepiece utilizes a three-finger Swiss bridge movement. It is specified as having 15 jewels and three adjustments.

The construction incorporates gold jewel cups. The auction description reports that the movement is currently working well.

Evidence for this section
  • “There is a fine three finger Swiss bridge movement with 15 jewels, 3 adjustments and gold jewel cups which is working well.”

Chain and Accessories

The watch is sold with a graduated sterling silver Albert chain measuring 11 inches in length. A two-inch drop attaches to a fob, which features an open shield on the obverse and scrollwork on the reverse. Each link of the chain is hallmarked.

The complete set is presented in its original velvet, leather, and silk box, which bears the name of a jeweller in Worthing.

Evidence for this section
  • “This watch comes with a great looking graduated Albert sterling chain 11 inches long and a two inch drop for fob with each link hallmarked.”
  • “The fob is a handsome piece with an open shield on one side and some faint scroll on back. This lovely set comes in the original jewellers velvet, leather and silk box.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber number used in this 1937 production?
  • Are there additional hallmarks on the chain links that provide further identification of the chain maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tavannes sterling silver pocket watch and Albert chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTavannes Watch Company“Tavannes Watch Company is a renowned Swiss watch manufacturer”
Movement15 jewel three finger bridge“fine three finger Swiss bridge movement with 15 jewels”
Case makerDennison“English sterling silver case by famous maker Dennison”
HallmarkBirmingham 1937“clearly hallmarked for Birmingham 1937”
Diameter48 mm“Sterling silver Tavannes pocket watch 48 mm diameter”
Total weight38 grams“nice weight at 38 gr.”
Chain length11 inches“graduated Albert sterling chain 11 inches long”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 position
  • Blue steel hands
  • Graduated chain with T-bar and fob
  • Case includes open cartouche on reverse

Research qualifications

  • The specific movement caliber is not identified
  • The exact engraving status of the cartouche is implied as blank but not verified by close-up

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ Tavannes با قاب Dennison و زنجیر آلبرت، ۱۹۳۷

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4257ed929f

Terms in this record

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

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