Glossary · Case & Dial
Sub-seconds dial
A small subsidiary dial, usually at six o'clock, showing running seconds separately from the main hands.
Explanation
Sub-seconds (small seconds) is a seconds display on a small subsidiary dial, usually at 6 o'clock, driven directly by the fourth wheel. It was the normal seconds layout in most pocket watches and early wristwatches. Its position relative to the winding crown helps distinguish hunter from open-face movements: a hunter movement in an open-face case puts the seconds at 3 o'clock.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Sub-seconds dial”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Pocket watch
Gruen Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Pocket Watch
“Sub-seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock with concentric circular finishing.”
Wristwatch
Perret & Fils Brenets Men's 14K Rose Gold Wristwatch
“This lot features a men's square wristwatch attributed to Perret & Fils Brenets, cased in 14K rose gold. The dial displays raised stone or crystal indices, comprising rectangula…”
Pocket watch
Elgin Hunter-case Pocket Watch, G.W. Wheeler
“Sunken sub-seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock position”
Wristwatch
Jaeger-LeCoultre 18k Gold Wristwatch, circa 1948
“Outer circular chapter/minute ring and sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock”
Wristwatch
Perseo Unitas 6498 Mechanical Men's Watch
“This catalogued men's wristwatch by Perseo is listed with a mechanical Unitas 6498 movement and a 46 mm case diameter. The timepiece presents a polished cushion-shaped case with…”
Pocket watch
Patek Philippe 18k pink gold pocket chronometer with cylindrical hairspring
“Sub-seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock position with Arabic ten-second numerals.”