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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-second chronograph pocket watch

Vulcain Split-Second Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face keyless pocket watch is catalogued as a split-second chronograph produced by Vulcain in Switzerland circa 1910. The 50 mm case is constructed from 18K yellow gold, and the movement is reported by the auction house as an 18-ligne caliber with 15 jewels. The white dial features black Arabic numerals, an outer chronograph fifths-of-a-second track, a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, and continuous small seconds at 6 o'clock. A lateral pusher is visible on the case band near the 11 o'clock position alongside the winding crown and suspension bow.

Front view showing dial, hands, gold case, bow, crown, and lateral chronograph pusher of the Vulcain pocket watch
Front view showing dial, hands, gold case, bow, crown, and lateral chronograph pusher of the Vulcain pocket watch — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Split-second chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vulcain
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
398
Source-reported date
Circa 1910
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
28774

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

Identity and Case Construction

The timepiece is catalogued as an 18K yellow gold, keyless split-second chronograph pocket watch attributed to Vulcain, Switzerland, and assigned an approximate date of circa 1910. The case measures 50 mm in diameter and bears case number 28774.

Visual inspection reveals a circular gold case with a hinged structure visible at the lower rim, surmounted by a winding crown and an oval bow at 12 o'clock. A lateral pusher is positioned on the case band adjacent to 11 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brand Vulcain, Switzerland”
  • “Year Circa 1910”
  • “Material 18K yellow gold”
  • “Diameter 50 mm.”
  • “Case No. 28774”
  • “Winding crown and oval bow positioned at 12 o'clock”
  • “Chronograph pusher mounted on the case band near 11 o'clock”
  • “Hinged gold case visible at the lower rim”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white dial configured with black Arabic hour numerals and an outer graduated chronograph track. Visual inspection shows two subsidiary dials aligned vertically at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.

The hands are catalogued in the auction condition report as original. The dial condition is rated as good in the source listing, though internal or movement details cannot be seen from the dial view alone.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Arabic hour numerals and an outer graduated chronograph track”
  • “Two subsidiary dials aligned vertically at 12 and 6 o'clock”
  • “HANDS Original”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good”

Movement and Source Limitations

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided exterior photograph. According to the auction record, the movement is an 18-ligne caliber with 15 jewels, and the watch is catalogued with signature on the case.

The cataloguer notes that both the case and movement are slightly oxidized, recommending an overhaul at the buyer's expense. The auctioneer explicitly disclaims guarantees regarding the functioning, completeness, or precision of the movement, and any internal marks or hallmarks are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 18''', 15 jewels”
  • “Signature Case”
  • “Case: 3-6 Good Slightly oxidized”
  • “Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement, nor the water-resistance of the case.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks, signatures, or serial numbers are stamped on the internal case back or cuvette?
  • What base ebauche or caliber design is utilized for the 18-ligne, 15-jewel split-second chronograph movement?
  • How is the split-second split function operated on this specific watch (e.g., through the crown or the 11 o'clock pusher)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vulcain Split-Second Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandVulcain, Switzerland“Brand Vulcain, Switzerland”
Case Number28774“Case No. 28774”
Material18K yellow gold“Material 18K yellow gold”
Caliber18''', 15 jewels“Caliber 18''', 15 jewels”
Diameter50 mm“Diameter 50 mm.”
YearCirca 1910“Year Circa 1910”
Signature LocationCase“Signature Case”
Catalogued Hands StatusOriginal“HANDS Original”
Catalogued Movement ConditionGrade 3-6*, slightly oxidized, overhaul recommended at buyer's expense“Movement: 3-6* Good Slightly oxidized Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
Catalogued Case ConditionGrade 3-6, slightly oxidized“Case: 3-6 Good Slightly oxidized”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Arabic hour numerals and an outer graduated chronograph track
  • Two subsidiary dials aligned vertically at 12 and 6 o'clock
  • Chronograph pusher mounted on the case band near 11 o'clock
  • Winding crown and oval bow positioned at 12 o'clock
  • Hinged gold case visible at the lower rim

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided image
  • Signatures and internal hallmarks are source-reported and cannot be verified from the exterior photo
  • Source notes slight oxidation to case and movement, recommending an overhaul

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

Consulted source

VULCAIN SPLIT SECOND CHRONOGRAPH, POCKET WATCH, GOLD | Only Online Auction | Geneva,December 8, 2022

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 59d513e670

Terms in this record

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

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