Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting-cased keyless pocket watch

Unsigned 18k Gold and Enamel Anchor-Shaped Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an 18k yellow gold, manual-wind, keyless hunting cased pocket watch with an unconventional anchor-shaped case. Measuring 28 mm in diameter, the watch is unsigned. The case is decorated with engraved wave patterns accented by black champlevé enamel. The front cover features a painted enamel scene of a galleon, while the back cover depicts a lighthouse, both set against a moonlit, cloudy sky. The white dial displays Turkish numerals. The watch is attributed to Swiss production and was made for the Turkish market, a context in which the source notes that very few lady's watches were produced.

Exterior view of the anchor-shaped case with a lighthouse scene, circa 1860.
Exterior view of the anchor-shaped case with a lighthouse scene, circa 1860. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting-cased keyless pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
291
Source-reported date
Circa 1860
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
130388

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 Enamel Decoration

The object features a distinctive anchor-shaped, 18k yellow gold hunting case. The exterior surfaces are adorned with engraved waves that are further highlighted with black champlevé enamel. The case is designed to feature specific nautical iconography on its two covers.

The front cover depicts a scene of a galleon at sea, while the back cover features a lighthouse. Both painted enamel scenes are rendered under a moonlit, cloudy sky. The case bears the punch mark 'HL', which is identified as the case maker's signature.

Evidence for this section
  • “anchor-shaped case formed with engraved waves highlighted with black champlevé enamel”
  • “front cover depicting a galleon and back cover depicting a lighthouse, both scenes with a moonlit cloudy sky”
  • “Signature case maker's punch mark HL”

Dial and Timekeeping

The watch is a manual wind, keyless model. The dial is white and features stylized Turkish numerals to indicate the hours. The hands are described as original to the piece.

The auction house reports that the watch is in good condition, though they recommend that the movement undergo an overhaul. No technical specifications regarding the escapement or movement construction are provided by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual wind hunting cased keyless pocket watch”
  • “HANDS Original”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Origin and Context

The watch is attributed to Swiss manufacturing. It was produced for the Turkish market, an attribution supported by the style of the dial numerals. The source notes that watches produced specifically for this market, particularly lady's watches, are uncommon.

The piece is catalogued as an unsigned object with no specific brand identity provided. The dating of the watch is estimated at circa 1860.

Evidence for this section
  • “SWITZERLAND”
  • “MADE FOR THE TURKISH MARKET”
  • “Very few lady's watches were ever produced specifically for the Turkish market”
  • “Year Circa 1860”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the 'HL' case maker?
  • What type of movement is concealed within the anchor-shaped case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned 18k Gold and Enamel Anchor-Shaped Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
Diameter28 mm“Diameter 28 mm.”
Serial number130388“Case No. 130388”
DateCirca 1860“Circa 1860”
SignatureNone“UNSIGNED”
Case makerHL“Signature case maker's punch mark HL”
MarketTurkish market“MADE FOR THE TURKISH MARKET”
ConditionGood“Case: 3 Good”

Visible details

  • Case shaped like an anchor
  • Black champlevé enamel wave decoration
  • Painted enamel nautical scenes on front and back covers
  • Dial features Turkish numerals

Research qualifications

  • Movement not described or photographed in detail
  • Uncertain origin of the case maker with punch mark HL

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED, SWITZERLAND, MADE FOR THE TURKISH MARKET, ANCHOR-SHAPED WITH ENAMEL NAUTICAL DECORATION PAINTED, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2f82ce4292

Terms in this record

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

Other hunting-cased keyless pocket watch records