Lanco - Open-face enamel dial sub-seconds - 1900-1949

Introduction

A vintage LANCO open-face pocket watch presenting an attractive white enamel dial with bold Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at the lower centre, all housed in a chrome-plated open-face case measuring approximately 39.5 mm across the case body. The movement is hand-wound, and the caseback interior is stamped with a serial number alongside a diamond-shaped case-maker's mark and 'SWISS MADE' on the movement plate. The dial is signed 'LANCO', a marque produced by the Langendorf Watch Company of Switzerland.

Historical / Era context

LANCO (Langendorf Watch Co., founded 1873 in Langendorf, canton Solothurn) produced a broad range of Swiss lever-escapement movements for the civilian and export markets through much of the 20th century. This compact open-face format with a subsidiary seconds hand at 6 o'clock was a staple of everyday Swiss pocket-watch production from the 1920s through the 1950s. The movement, visible through the hinged caseback, shows a Swiss-made full-plate or three-quarter-plate layout with jewelled bearings and a flat hairspring — typical of mid-grade Swiss production. No exterior date or provenance stamp is present on the caseback, so a precise production year cannot be confirmed from the piece alone.

Condition

The watch is running at the time of listing.

Case: The chrome-plated case shows significant age-related wear: the chrome plating is heavily pitted, flaking, and lost across much of the mid-band and bezel edge, revealing the base metal beneath with areas of oxidation and brass-coloured corrosion. The caseback exterior is heavily scratched. The bow/ring and crown appear to be in reasonable structural order but share the same surface corrosion.

Dial: The white enamel dial retains good legibility — all Arabic numerals and the subsidiary seconds ring are clearly readable. There are visible hairline cracks across the enamel surface (consistent with age), some surface grime or foxing in the lower centre area, and light overall patination. No numerals or text are missing.

Crystal: The crystal is present and the dial is readable through it, but it shows surface marks, light scratches, and some haziness consistent with age; it is not pristine.

Movement: The watch is reported running well. The movement is hand-wound via the crown. No specific accuracy issues have been noted. I have not had the movement independently serviced, and given the age and case condition, a service by a watchmaker before daily use would be advisable.

Accessories: No chain, box, or papers are included. Sold as shown.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: LANCO
Model: LANCO
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 32.5 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 39.5 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 43.5 mm
Dial color: White
Weight: approx. 27 g
Accessories: None (watch only)
In working order: Yes

Closing note

A characterful Swiss LANCO open-face pocket watch for the collector who appreciates honest, unrestored vintage pieces with a legible enamel dial and a running movement. Please examine all photographs carefully, 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.