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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chronograph pocket watch

Unsigned Steel Chronograph Pocket Watch, Ref. 142923

Partially verified

This unsigned chronograph pocket watch features a steel case measuring 52 mm in diameter. Dating to circa 1920-1930, the timepiece is designed with manual winding functionality and incorporates a chronograph complication operated by a pusher. The dial is white with Arabic numerals, complemented by a central seconds hand and an external telemeter or tachymeter scale. It includes two subsidiary dials: one positioned at 12 o'clock for recording minutes and another at 6 o'clock for constant seconds. The watch is fitted with a Plexiglas crystal. The movement, identified by number 148011, currently requires repair. The auction description notes that the watch is unsigned and reports visible oxidation and surface scratching on the case and dial.

Front view of the unsigned steel chronograph pocket watch showing the white dial and external tachymetric scale.
Front view of the unsigned steel chronograph pocket watch showing the white dial and external tachymetric scale. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
142923
Catalogue / lot identifier
197
Source-reported date
Circa 1920 - 1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
142923

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 Dial

The watch is housed in a steel case measuring 52 mm. The exterior shows signs of oxidation and light surface scratches. The case features a crown-integrated pusher for the operation of the chronograph function.

The white dial displays Arabic numerals and is marked with an external division scale, which appears to include tachymeter or telemeter markings. The layout includes two subsidiary dials: a minute register at the 12 o'clock position and a seconds register at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is protected by a Plexiglas crystal and shows minor surface wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very nice pocket watch in steel”
  • “White dial with Arabic numerals, central second and external division. Plexiglas glass.”
  • “Oxidized Slightly scratched”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch utilizes a manual-winding movement identified by serial number 148011. The mechanism includes a chronograph complication. The movement is reported by the auction description to be in a condition that requires professional repair.

Visible details on the movement plate include the standard adjustment lever marked with 'AVANCE' and 'RETARD'. The movement is observed to be of a traditional chronograph construction, though the auction house does not verify the completeness of all internal components.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual winding, chronograph.”
  • “Movement No. 148011”
  • “Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Condition

The object is unsigned across the case, dial, and movement. The auction description assigns the manufacture to Switzerland based on general characteristics.

The condition is graded as 'AA' by the auction house, despite notes of oxidation and the need for movement repair.

Evidence for this section
  • “UNSIGNED”
  • “Signature Case, Dial and Movement”
  • “Brand Pocket Watch, Switzerland”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain any hidden maker marks underneath the bridges?
  • Is the scale printed on the dial intended for tachymeter or telemeter measurements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned Steel Chronograph Pocket Watch, Ref. 142923
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUnsigned“UNSIGNED STEEL CHRONOGRAPH POCKET WACTH”
Reference142923“REF. 142923”
Serial142923“Case No. 142923”
Movement Serial148011“Movement No. 148011”
Diameter52 mm“Dimensions 52 mm.”
Movement StatusRequires repair“Repair required, at buyer's expense”
DatingCirca 1920-1930“Circa 1920 -1930”

Visible details

  • Case features visible oxidation and light scratching.
  • Dial features Arabic numerals and dual sub-dials.
  • Movement contains visible jewels and adjustment regulator markings.
  • Chronograph pusher located at the crown position.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description specifies that the movement requires repair.
  • Functioning and precision of the movement are not guaranteed by the seller.

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED STEEL CHRONOGRAPH POCKET WACTH, REF. 142923

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7c446ba2e8

Terms in this record

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

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