Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch with date

Verge pocket watch with date by David Humbert Droz

Partially verified

This 19th-century verge pocket watch is attributed to maker David Humbert Droz. The timepiece is constructed from a combination of metal, silver, and glass. The exterior case features both engraved and engine-turned decoration, exhibiting minor signs of age and wear including small dents. The watch face consists of an enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and a central date display, accompanied by blued steel hands. The movement is signed on the backplate. The object is accompanied by a replacement watch chain. According to the auction description, the watch shows signs of operation during a short test, although its overall timekeeping accuracy remains untested. The watch has a documented provenance linked to the Stolberg Clock Room in Graz and an Offenbach private collection, supported by a copy of an original purchase receipt from October 1978.

View of the verge pocket watch with enamel dial, blued steel hands, and attached watch chain. — Auktionshaus HanseArt / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: orbiscollectibles.com
Category: Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch with date
Maker / attribution: David Humbert Droz
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 193597021
Source-reported date: 19th C.
Source-reported place: France

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 pocket watch is housed in an engraved and engine-turned case, constructed from a composition of metal and silver. The dial is executed in enamel and features Arabic numerals for the standard time display. A central date indicator is integrated into the center of the dial.

The dial is fitted with blued steel hands. The exterior case exhibits minor damage consistent with age, specifically described as small dents, alongside general wear to the metalwork surfaces.

Evidence for this section

“engraved and engine-turned case”
“enamel dial with Arabic numerals and central date display”
“blued steel hands”
“signs of age and wear, small dents”

Movement and Signatures

The timepiece employs a verge escapement mechanism. Identification of the maker is provided by a signature located on the movement's backplate.

Operational testing of the movement is limited. The auction description reports that the movement runs during a short test; however, the long-term accuracy has not been tested.

Evidence for this section

“Verge pocket watch”
“signed on backplate”
“running on in short test, accuracy untested”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is associated with the Stolberg Clock Room located in Graz. It was subsequently held in an Offenbach private collection.

Documentation accompanying the watch includes a copy of the purchase receipt from the Uhrenstube Stolberg, dated October 30, 1978. This record serves as the primary evidence for the object's recent ownership history.

Evidence for this section

“Stolberg Clock Room, Graz, Offenbach private collection”
“A copy of the purchase receipt, Uhrenstube Stolberg, dated October 30, 1978 is included”

Open research questions

Does the signature on the backplate definitively link the watch to David Humbert Droz?
What is the underlying mechanism for the central date display and its relationship to the verge movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Verge pocket watch with date by David Humbert Droz
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	David Humbert Droz	“David Humbert Droz”
Material	metal/silver/glass	“metal/silver/glass”
Dimensions	D approx. 5.8cm	“D approx. 5.8cm”
Dial details	Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and central date display	“enamel dial with Arabic numerals and central date display”
Movement signature	Signed on the backplate	“signed on backplate”
Provenance	Stolberg Clock Room, Graz, and Offenbach private collection	“Provenance: Stolberg Clock Room, Graz, Offenbach private collection”
Condition	Small dents and signs of age and wear	“signs of age and wear, small dents”

Visible details

Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and a central pointer for the date indicator
Engraved and engine-turned metal/silver casing with a ribbed band
Blued steel hands for the hour, minute, and date functions
Replacement watch chain attached to the bow

Research qualifications

The 19th-century dating is an attribution rather than a verified manufacture date
Independent authentication of the movement and dial type is still required
The operational state is based on a limited short test

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

Consulted source

Verge pocket watch with date, David Humbert Droz

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7b59d012e1

Terms in this record

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