Carl Rohde & Co. - Open-face 800 silver sub-seconds - 1850-1900

Introduction

This is a large antique open-face pocket watch with a white enamel dial featuring Roman numeral hour markers, a full minute/seconds track around the periphery, and a subsidiary seconds register at approximately the 6 o'clock position. The movement is manually wound and the inner dust cover is engraved with a Japanese soldier carrying a Rising Sun flag above the mark 'C.R & Co', suggesting it was retailed or commissioned for the Japanese market in the Meiji or early Taisho era. The outer case is stamped '0.800', confirming an 800-grade silver case.

Historical / Era context

Open-face pocket watches of this size and construction — approximately 57 mm case diameter, 116 g, with a ribbed silver case and engine-turned back cover — are characteristic of Swiss export production aimed at the Japanese military and merchant market during the late 19th and very early 20th century. The 'C.R & Co' mark, combined with the Rising Sun soldier engraving, points to a Swiss movement cased for export to Japan, a well-documented trade during the Meiji modernisation period. The movement features a lever escapement with a visible balance wheel and a column-wheel or cam-operated chronograph mechanism consistent with late 19th-century Swiss craftsmanship. No caseback date stamp is present, so a precise production year cannot be confirmed.

Condition

The watch is running at the time of listing.

Case: The 800 silver case shows significant age-related tarnishing and patina across all surfaces, with scattered dents, scratches, and oxidation pitting on the mid-band. The engine-turned guilloche outer caseback retains its pattern clearly. The inner dust cover opens via a push-piece and carries the soldier/flag engraving and 'C.R & Co' mark in good legibility. The bow and crown appear to be base-metal replacements of a different colour, showing wear consistent with use.

Dial: The white enamel dial is legible overall, with Roman numerals and track markings intact, but shows scattered dark spots, minor chips or losses at the edges, and general surface crazing consistent with a piece of this age. The subsidiary seconds sub-dial at the lower centre is readable.

Crystal: The domed mineral or glass crystal is present and intact, with minor surface scratches and hazing reducing clarity somewhat, but the dial remains readable through it.

Movement: The movement is reported running well. The manually wound mechanism appears complete and ticks when examined; the chronograph levers and column-wheel mechanism are visible and appear intact. I have not had the movement professionally serviced recently and cannot guarantee long-term accuracy.

Accessories: No box or papers are included. A braided cord/fob chain is attached to the bow.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: CR CO(Carl Rohde & Co.)
Model: Pocket watch
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Case material: Silver
Case diameter: approx. 57 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 74.4 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 83.5 mm
Dial color: White
Weight: approx. 116 g
Accessories: braided fob cord
In working order: Yes

Closing note

This is a rare and characterful Meiji-era Swiss export pocket watch with compelling Japanese military provenance, an 800 silver case, and a functioning movement — an appealing combination for collectors of Japanese history or antique Swiss horology. Please examine all photographs carefully before bidding, as they form part of the description.
As with all vintage timepieces, please examine the provided photographs carefully to satisfy yourself with the condition before bidding. The watch is sold as a vintage collectible; long-term accuracy, water resistance and future maintenance are not guaranteed.
The item is carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are the buyer's responsibility.