Silver 24 Hour Dial Lever Pocket Watch, c. 1895

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step back in time with the exquisite Silver 24 Hour Dial Lever Pocket Watch, a remarkable piece from the late 19th century that seamlessly blends historical craftsmanship with innovative design. This Swiss lever pocket watch, dating back to circa 1895, is a testament to the artistry and precision of its era, featuring a distinctive 24-hour dial that sets it apart from conventional timepieces. Encased in a gilt open face, the watch showcases a keyless gilt split three-quarter plate movement, complete with a going barrel, a plain cock with a polished steel regulator, and an uncut balance with an overcoil hairspring. Its club foot lever escapement ensures reliable performance, while the dial captivates with its unique design—a gilt mask adorned with twelve circular apertures and a seconds subsidiary. These apertures reveal black Roman numerals from one to twelve or red Arabic numerals from thirteen to twenty-four on a pristine white enamel ring, easily adjustable by pressing a button in the pendant. The watch is elegantly housed in an engine-turned gilt open face case, featuring a vacant oval cartouche on the back, offering a touch of personalization. Signed by MGBM and measuring 52 mm in diameter, this pocket watch is in good condition, serving as a cherished relic of horological history. For those interested in similar timepieces, reference can be made to “Pocket Watches” by Reinhard Meis on page 255, where this watch’s timeless charm and intricate mechanics are further celebrated. This Swiss lever pocket watch is from the late 19th Century and features a unique 24-hour dial. The watch is housed in a gilt open face case and operates with a keyless gilt split three quarter plate movement. The movement includes a going barrel, a plain cock with a polished steel regulator, and an uncut balance with an overcoil hairspring. The escape mechanism is a club foot lever escapement. The dial of this watch is quite unusual. It is signed with a gilt mask that features twelve circular apertures and a seconds subsidiary. The apertures in the mask can display black Roman numerals from one to twelve or red Arabic numerals from thirteen to twenty-four on a white enamel ring. To change the indication, simply depress a button in the pendant. To see a similar watch, you can refer to “Pocket Watches” by Reinhard Meis, specifically on page 255. The watch is presented in an engine turned gilt open face case with a vacant oval cartouche on the back. Signed MGBM Date of Manufacture: Circa1895 Diameter: 52 mm Condition: Good