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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunting-case pocket watch

Unsigned Art Deco hunting-case pocket watch

Partially verified

This unsigned pocket watch dates to approximately 1920-1930 and is constructed with an 18K yellow gold, hunting-case. The case features engine-turned (guilloché) decoration accented by black enamelled champlevé geometric patterns. The outer cover is engraved in taille-douce with the cypher “E L” situated within a central escutcheon, while the case-band is finished with chiselled detailing. The watch has a silver-coloured metallic dial displaying radial Arabic numerals and blued steel “Breguet” style hands. The interior houses an 11''' rhodium-plated movement with a going barrel and a straight-line lever escapement. The technical assembly includes a cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, a blued steel hairspring with a terminal curve, and a polished steel index-regulator. The piece includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The auction report indicates an approximate weight of 48.2 grams and a diameter of 40.4 mm.

Side profile view showing the hunting-case dial configuration and the crown at the three o'clock position.
Side profile view showing the hunting-case dial configuration and the crown at the three o'clock position. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Hunting-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
256
Source-reported date
circa 1920-1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1 101 263

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 Aesthetic Features

The hunting-case is rendered in 18K yellow gold and is characterized by its decorative surface treatments. The front and back are decorated with engine-turned (guilloché) designs that integrate black enamelled champlevé geometric motifs. A specific focus is given to the center, which holds an escutcheon.

The front cover bears a custom engraving of the cypher “E L” executed in taille-douce. The profile of the watch is defined by a chiselled case-band, completing the overall aesthetic which the source identifies as Art Deco.

The silver-coloured dial provides a high-contrast backdrop for the radial Arabic numerals, complemented by blued steel hands in the “Breguet” style.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cover and case-back guilloché (engine-turned), with black enamelled champlevé geometric patterns”
  • “cover engraved in taille-douce (fine cut) with the cypher “E L””
  • “chiselled case-band”

Movement and Technical Construction

The watch is powered by an 11''' rhodium-plated movement. It utilizes a traditional going barrel and a straight-line lever escapement. The timing regulation is facilitated by a cut bimetallic compensated balance equipped with gold poising screws.

The movement's hairspring is made of blued steel and features a terminal curve. Adjustments are made via a polished steel index-regulator. The movement is unsigned and does not carry a serial number.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement 11’’’, rhodium-plated, going barrel, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws and blued steel hairspring with terminal curve”
  • “polished steel index-regulator”

Condition and Documentation

The auction description provides a grade of 'A' for the general condition, with specific ratings for the case, movement, and dial.

The lot is sold in its current state as described in the auction catalogue.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement”
  • “The lots are sold “as is””

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'E L' cypher in relation to the original owner?
  • Are there identifiable hallmarks on the 18K gold case that might indicate a specific Swiss regional origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned Art Deco hunting-case pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18K yellow gold and enamel“18K yellow gold and enamel”
Movement size11'''“Movement 11’’’”
DialSilver colour metallic with radial Arabic numerals“Silver colour metallic dial, with radial revolving Arabic numerals”
Movement detailsRhodium-plated with lever escapement“Movement 11’’’, rhodium-plated, going barrel, straight-line lever escapement”
Dimensions40.4 mm diameter“Diameter 40.4 mm.”
Weight48.2 grams“Weight 48.2 gr. (approx.)”

Visible details

  • Case features striped engine-turned patterns
  • Cypher 'E L' engraved on the front cover
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Chiselled decorative pattern on the case-band

Research qualifications

  • Movement is unnumbered
  • Authenticity and functioning of movement not guaranteed by the source

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

Consulted source

Unsigned Art Deco small pocket watch; 18K yellow gold and enamel

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3e6d0f811d

Terms in this record

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

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