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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Vertex Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by the Vertex Watch Company features a silver case stamped with Birmingham hallmarks for 1930 and the VWC maker's mark. Measuring 50 mm in diameter excluding the winding stem and suspension loop, it houses a source-reported seven-jewel stem-winding movement. The white dial displays black Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, an outer minute railway track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The dial is faintly signed for retailer Wm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester, and is marked 'SWISS MADE' along the bottom edge.

Front view of open-face Vertex silver pocket watch showing Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, and subsidiary seconds dial
Front view of open-face Vertex silver pocket watch showing Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, and subsidiary seconds dial — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vertex Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA1218319
Source-reported date
1930
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 Hallmarking

This open-face pocket watch features a silver case measuring 50 mm in diameter, excluding the winding stem and suspension loop. The case back exhibits reported unevenness, and the bevelled glass lens is described as having a 5 mm nibble at the bottom edge.

Internal hallmarks located within the case back indicate a Birmingham assay for 1930, accompanied by the 'VWC' maker's mark associated with the Vertex Watch Company.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop.”
  • “the back has some unevenness.”
  • “The glass lens has a 5mm nibble to the bottom of the bevelled edge”
  • “hallmarks inside the case back for Birmingham 1930, together with the maker’s mark VWC for the Vertex Watch Company.”

Dial and Retailer Signature

The watch features a white dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel spade hands. A subsidiary seconds register is positioned at 6 o'clock, which displays reported discolouration.

The dial is marked 'SWISS MADE' along the lower perimeter and bears a faint retailer signature for 'Wm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester' located below the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is faintly signed Wm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester.”
  • “There is a shade or two of discolouration to the sub seconds dial.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with 'SWISS MADE' inscribed along the lower perimeter.”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece employs a stem-winding mechanism, operated via a fluted winding crown set within an open silver bow at the 12 o'clock pendant.

The movement is reported by the seller to be a seven-jewel calibre.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a seven jewel stem-winding movement”
  • “Contrasting fluted brass or gilt winding crown set within an open silver bow at the 12 o'clock pendant.”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'VWC' maker's mark exclusively represent the Vertex Watch Company in the context of Birmingham silver hallmarks?
  • Are there additional movement markings present to verify the calibre beyond the seller's reported seven-jewel count?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vertex Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementSeven-jewel stem-winding movement“The watch has a seven jewel stem-winding movement which is working nicely.”
Dimensions50 mm diameter excluding stem and loop“The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop.”
Hallmarks and Case MakerBirmingham 1930 hallmarks with VWC mark“hallmarks inside the case back for Birmingham 1930, together with the maker’s mark VWC for the Vertex Watch Company.”
Dial SignatureWm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester“The dial is faintly signed Wm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester.”
RetailerWm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester“The dial is faintly signed Wm Batty & Sons Ltd, Manchester.”
MovementSeven-jewel stem-winding“The watch has a seven jewel stem-winding movement”

Visible details

  • Open-face pocket watch dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel spade hands.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with 'SWISS MADE' inscribed along the lower perimeter.
  • Contrasting fluted brass or gilt winding crown set within an open silver bow at the 12 o'clock pendant.
  • Faint retailer signature visible below 12 o'clock reading '...BATTY & SONS LTD / MANCHESTER'.

Research qualifications

  • Movement details and internal markings are source-reported and not visible in the front-facing photograph.
  • The seller notes a 5 mm nibble to the bottom of the bevelled glass lens edge and unevenness on the back of the case.
  • Slight discolouration is noted on the subsidiary seconds dial.

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

Consulted source

Vertex Silver Pocket Watch, 1930 1920 - 1940 | Sellingantiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 70ace25824

Terms in this record

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

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