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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Tiffany & Co. / IWC Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1930 according to Christie's, this open-face pocket watch was manufactured by International Watch Co. for retailer Tiffany & Co. The timepiece is housed in a 14-karat gold case measuring 45.5 mm in diameter, accented by a distinctive trapezoidal bow at the 12 o'clock winding position. Its silvered dial is configured with applied gilt Arabic numerals, baton hour markers, a beaded outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed 'TIFFANY & Co.', while the manual-winding time-only movement is signed 'International Watch Co.' The case back is reportedly engraved with the monogram 'P.H.L'.

Front view of the 14K gold Tiffany & Co. / IWC open-face pocket watch showing the silvered dial, subsidiary seconds, and tarnished bezel
Front view of the 14K gold Tiffany & Co. / IWC open-face pocket watch showing the silvered dial, subsidiary seconds, and tarnished bezel — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
IWC / Tiffany & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
156
Source-reported date
circa 1930
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

Identity and Retail Context

According to Christie's catalogue description, this open-face pocket watch dates to circa 1930 and was made for the retailer Tiffany & Co. The retailer's name appears on the dial, while the auction cataloguer states that the movement is signed "International Watch Co."

The lot documentation lists an accompanying Tiffany & Co. presentation box. Movement serial numbers and specific calibre designations are not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1930”
  • “With a very charming Art Deco allure, the present pocket watch was made especially for the renowned retailer, Tiffany & Co .”
  • “The movement is signed "International Watch Co."”
  • “ACCESSORIES: Tiffany & Co. Presentation Box”

Case Form and Metalwork

Christie's records the case as 14K gold with a diameter of 45.5 mm. Visual observation notes an angular, trapezoidal Art Deco style bow fitted over the fluted crown at the 12 o'clock position.

Prominent dark discoloration and tarnish are visible along the gold bezel rim. The auction condition report notes that the case exhibits light scratches and patina, and that the case back is engraved "P.H.L", though the reverse is not shown in the primary photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 14K gold”
  • “DIAMETER: 45.5mm”
  • “Angular, trapezoidal Art Deco style bow over the fluted crown”
  • “Prominent dark discoloration and tarnish around the gold bezel rim”
  • “The case is in excellent condition with light scratches and patina.”
  • “The case back is engraved "P.H.L".”

Dial Configuration

The watch features a silvered dial with applied gilt even Arabic numerals alternating with baton hour markers, bounded by an outer beaded minute track. A subsidiary seconds register is situated at 6 o'clock.

The dial is signed 'TIFFANY & Co.' in serif capital lettering beneath 12 o'clock, with 'SWISS' visible at the bottom edge. The cataloguer notes that the dial, hands, and applied markers have developed patina, but condition assertions in the auction report are seller claims rather than verified facts.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Silvered”
  • “Silvered dial featuring applied gilt even Arabic numerals alternating with baton markers”
  • “Dial signed 'TIFFANY & Co.' in serif capital lettering below the 12 position”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock with 'SWISS' printed along the lower dial edge”
  • “The dial and hands appear to be original and have developed patina.”

Open research questions

  • What specific IWC movement calibre and movement serial number are present inside the case?
  • Does the inside case back show factory IWC hallmarks, a case serial number, or Tiffany & Co. inventory stamps?
  • Can archival records from IWC or Tiffany & Co. confirm the exact production and delivery dates for this serial range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tiffany & Co. / IWC Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Circa1930“CIRCA: 1930”
Case Material14K gold“CASE MATERIAL: 14K gold”
Diameter45.5mm“DIAMETER: 45.5mm”
DialSilvered“DIAL: Silvered”
MovementManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
Movement SignatureInternational Watch Co.“The movement is signed "International Watch Co."”
Case Back EngravingP.H.L“The case back is engraved "P.H.L".”
AccessoriesTiffany & Co. Presentation Box“ACCESSORIES: Tiffany & Co. Presentation Box”
Movement OperationManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”

Visible details

  • Prominent dark discoloration and tarnish around the gold bezel rim
  • Silvered dial featuring applied gilt even Arabic numerals alternating with baton markers
  • Embossed or drilled beaded outer minute divisions
  • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock with 'SWISS' printed along the lower dial edge
  • Angular, trapezoidal Art Deco style bow over the fluted crown
  • Dial signed 'TIFFANY & Co.' in serif capital lettering below the 12 position

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement signature, movement calibre, and serial numbers are not visible in the photograph; details rely on the auction house catalogue description
  • Case back engraving 'P.H.L' is documented in the condition report but not shown in the single front-facing photograph

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

Consulted source

TIFFANY & CO. / IWC OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 87587a1e5e

Terms in this record

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

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