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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Tavannes Watch Co open face pocket watch with Masonic dial

Partially verified

According to the seller, this open-face pocket watch was manufactured in Switzerland by the Tavannes Watch Co circa 1900 to 1910. The white metal case measures 49 mm in width by 14 mm in depth and houses a stem-wound, stem-set nickel three-quarter plate movement with a lever escapement and damascened finish. The white enamel dial is decorated with polychrome Masonic emblems in place of standard hour numerals, paired with blued steel hands and a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock overlaid with a skull-and-crossbones emblem.

Dial and case front of the Tavannes Watch Co Masonic pocket watch
Dial and case front of the Tavannes Watch Co Masonic pocket watch — Atlam Watches via Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Tavannes Watch Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.244 (AB-111735)
Source-reported date
circa 1900 – 1910
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

Dial and Hands

The timepiece features a white enamel dial where standard hour numerals are replaced by twelve distinct polychrome Masonic symbols. Spade-style blued steel hands are mounted for the hours and minutes.

A sunken subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, incorporating a hand-painted skull and crossbones motif across the lower section of the seconds register. The seller states that the dial is decorated with original Masonic symbols and is not a modern reproduction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Twelve distinct polychrome Masonic symbols replace standard hour numerals on the white enamel dial.”
  • “Sunken subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock features a hand-painted skull and crossbones motif over the lower seconds numerals.”
  • “Blued steel spade-style hour and minute hands.”
  • “the white enamel dial is decorated with original enamel Masonic symbols in bright enamel colours. This dial is not a reproduction.”

Case Construction

The watch is housed in an open-face white metal case measuring 49 mm in diameter and 14 mm in depth. Visible exterior components include an oval bow, a rounded pendant, and a fluted winding crown.

According to the dealer's technical description, the case is constructed with a hinged bezel, hinged case back, and hinged inner cuvette. The seller also notes that the metal presents a duller, more metallic finish than usual, and reports that the watch is fitted with a plastic glass crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 49mm wide x 14mm deep”
  • “Open-face white metal case with an oval bow, rounded pendant, and fluted winding crown.”
  • “the movement comes in a white metal open face case, which has a hinged inner, back and bezel.”
  • “the case has a duller more metallic finish than normal”
  • “The watch has a plastic glass”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The watch is configured for stem winding and stem setting. The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided photographic record, leaving its specifications reliant entirely on the seller's documentation.

The movement is described by the dealer as a nickel three-quarter plate calibre with a lever escapement and damascened decoration. The seller states the movement is signed "Tavannes Watch Co" and dates its Swiss manufacture to circa 1900–1910.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is stem wound / stem set”
  • “Movement – the nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and is decorated with damascening. The movement is signed “Tavannes Watch Co””
  • “This is a Swiss pocket watch made by Tavannes Watch Co circa 1900 – 1910”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks, purity stamps, or maker trademarks are present on the inside of the case back and inner cuvette to identify the base metal alloy or silversmith?
  • What calibre designation and serial number are stamped on the movement plates beneath the balance assembly?
  • Does microscopic inspection of the dial surface confirm whether the Masonic symbols and skull-and-crossbones emblem were fired in the original grand feu process or applied later as overglaze enamel?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tavannes Watch Co open face pocket watch with Masonic dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTavannes Watch Co“This is a Swiss pocket watch made by Tavannes Watch Co circa 1900 – 1910”
Movement descriptionNickel 3/4 plate, lever escapement, damascened“the nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and is decorated with damascening.”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel decorated with original Masonic symbols“the white enamel dial is decorated with original enamel Masonic symbols in bright enamel colours.”
Dimensions49 mm wide by 14 mm deep“The watch measures 49mm wide x 14mm deep”
Winding mechanismStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Case construction hingesHinged inner cover, back, and bezel“which has a hinged inner, back and bezel.”
Crystal typePlastic glass“The watch has a plastic glass”
Movement signatureSigned "Tavannes Watch Co"“The movement is signed “Tavannes Watch Co””

Visible details

  • Twelve distinct polychrome Masonic symbols replace standard hour numerals on the white enamel dial.
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock features a hand-painted skull and crossbones motif over the lower seconds numerals.
  • Open-face white metal case with an oval bow, rounded pendant, and fluted winding crown.
  • Blued steel spade-style hour and minute hands.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, inner cuvette, and case stamps are not visible in the supplied photograph; movement details are source-reported.
  • Dealer listing explicitly notes that the crystal is plastic glass, indicating a likely later replacement.

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

Consulted source

Vintage pocket watch with original MASONIC Dial c1900 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9d062adf8a

Terms in this record

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

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