Hunter-Case Watches

Mechanism

Case engineering rather than movement design: a leaf or coil spring in the hinge is tensioned by a lever connected to the crown.

Typical characteristics

• Spring-loaded front lid with a catch opposite the pendant
• Movement normally with the seconds subdial at 3 o'clock relative to the pendant
• Heavier and better protected than an open-face watch of the same size

Identification characteristics

• Hinge and lid catch; check for a replacement lid by comparing hallmarks on all case parts
• Movement seconds position relative to the winding stem distinguishes hunter from converted open-face

Collector significance

Case configuration is a primary identification axis; mismatched movement and case configuration is a common sign of a re-cased watch.

Known variations

• Half-hunter (demi-hunter) with glazed aperture
• Double-hunter with lids front and back
• Double half-hunter

Sources & references

1. Cutmore, M., Watches 1850–1980

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.