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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · 24-hour pocket watch

Union Horlogère Silver Pocket Watch with 24-Hour Dial

Partially verified

This gentleman's pocket watch by Union Horlogère features a 24-hour display and an 800 silver case. The white enamel dial presents Arabic numerals 1-12 in black, complemented by an inner scale 13-24 in blue, and includes a small seconds sub-dial at the six o'clock position. Time is indicated by blued poire-style hands. The watch utilizes a mechanical lever movement, with the dust cover (cuvette) engraved to reference the Grand Prix Paris 1900 award alongside technical details including "15 Rubis," "Ancre Levees Visibles Double Plateau," and "Spiral Breguet." Measuring 52 mm in diameter, the timepiece is reported to be in good age-appropriate condition and currently running.

Front view of the Union Horlogère silver pocket watch showing the 24-hour enamel dial and sub-seconds register.
Front view of the Union Horlogère silver pocket watch showing the 24-hour enamel dial and sub-seconds register. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · 24-hour pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Union Horlogère
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
694
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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 External Features

The pocket watch is housed in a substantial case crafted from 800-grade silver. The reverse of the case is decorated with an engine-turned (guilloché) pattern, featuring a centered, unengraved monogram cartouche. All lids of the case are marked to indicate the silver fineness.

To provide visual contrast, the watch is fitted with a rose gold-plated bezel, crown, and bow. These elements serve as ornamental accents against the silver body of the watch, which measures 52 mm in diameter and has a weight of 97.5 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “The solid 800 silver case is finely engine-turned (guilloché) on the back and decorated with a blank monogram cartouche.”
  • “The rose gold-plated bezel, crown, and bow add an elegant accent.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The watch face is made of white enamel and employs a 24-hour configuration to display the time. Black Arabic numerals from 1 to 12 are positioned on the outer edge, while an inner scale of blue numerals from 13 to 24 facilitates the full-day reading.

Functions are performed by blued poire-style hands, with a secondary small seconds sub-dial located at the six o'clock position. The auction description reports that the movement is currently in running condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The exceptional white enamel dial features a 24-hour display, with Arabic numerals 1-12 in black and an inner scale 13-24 in blue.”
  • “The time is indicated by blued poire hands, complemented by a small seconds sub-dial at six o'clock”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch utilizes a mechanical lever movement. Technical details and accolades are recorded on the internal dust cover, known as the cuvette. The engraving explicitly mentions "15 Rubis," "Ancre Levees Visibles Double Plateau," and "Spiral Breguet," noting the inclusion of a Breguet overcoil hairspring.

The movement is associated with the Union Horlogère association, an entity composed of multiple Swiss watch manufacturers. The dust cover engraving recognizes the manufacturer's receipt of the Grand Prix award at the 1900 Paris World's Fair.

Evidence for this section
  • “Union Horlogère was an association of several renowned Swiss watch manufacturers, founded in 1883 in La Chaux-de-Fonds.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks appear on the case lids?
  • Are there any individual manufacturer marks hidden under the dust cover or on the movement plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Union Horlogère Silver Pocket Watch with 24-Hour Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material800/- silver, rose gold-plated components“800/- silver, all lids hallmarked, bezel and crown rose gold-plated.”
MovementMechanical lever movement“The high-quality mechanical lever movement is engraved on the inner dust cover (cuvette) with its numerous awards and technical specifications”
Dial24-hour enamel dial“The exceptional white enamel dial features a 24-hour display, with Arabic numerals 1-12 in black and an inner scale 13-24 in blue.”
Measurements52 mm diameter“12 x 52 mm (HxD)”
Weight97.5 grams“W. 97.5 g”
AwardsGrand Prix Paris 1900“Grand Prix Paris 1900”
Movement details15 Rubis, Ancre Levees Visibles Double Plateau, Spiral Breguet“15 Rubis," "Ancre Levees Visibles Double Plateau," and "Spiral Breguet.”

Visible details

  • Case back features fine engine-turning surrounding an empty cartouche
  • Dial includes both black 1-12 and blue 13-24 hour markers
  • Rose gold-plated crown and bow contrast with the silver case

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture is not stated beyond reference to the 1900 Paris award
  • The specific intended professional use is speculative based on the 24-hour dial configuration

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

Consulted source

Union Horlogère Silver Pocket Watch, 24-Hour Dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 92b5cc95b2

Terms in this record

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