L.U.C - 85743 - 1900-1949

Overview
This is a characterful L.U.C mechanical pocket watch, bearing the classic initials of Louis-Ulysse Chopard and reflecting the tradition of early Swiss watchmaking. The white dial features a distinctive two-colour dual-scale design, with bold black numerals from 1 to 12 and contrasting red numerals from 13 to 24, complemented by a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and elegant period hands. The engine-turned silver case and naturally developed signs of age add further antique character. Its strongest attractions are the historic L.U.C identity, the unusual red and black 24-hour dual-scale dial, and the traditional 15-jewel movement with Breguet hairspring.

Technical and condition details
Brand: L.U.C, Louis-Ulysse Chopard
Type: Open-face mechanical pocket watch
Winding: Manual
Function: Running when tested. No long-term accuracy test has been performed.
Dial layout: Central hours and minutes, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, with combined 12-hour and 24-hour scales
Dial: White dial with large black Arabic numerals from 1 to 12 and contrasting red numerals from 13 to 24 in the central section, together with an L.U.C signature; the two-colour layout gives the watch a distinctive early utilitarian character
Case: Open-face silver case with finely engine-turned back and central shield-shaped cartouche; the inner case is marked 0.800, bears the L.U.C trademark and case number 85743
Movement: Gilt mechanical movement. The dust cover carries the L.U.C mark, multiple medal motifs and French technical inscriptions including ANCRE, LIGNE DROITE, LEVÉES VISIBLES, BALANCIER COUPÉ, 15 RUBIS and SPIRAL BREGUET, indicating a traditional 15-jewel construction with cut compensated balance and Breguet hairspring
Diameter: Approx. 49.74 mm
Weight: Approx. 79.8 g
Condition:
Overall in honest antique condition with age-related wear. The case shows surface scratches, edge wear, light oxidation and natural patina consistent with long-term use. The pale central section of the dial shows noticeable ageing, colour variation and areas of surface wear, while the red 24-hour numerals show varying degrees of wear. The outer black numerals remain generally clear. The hands and other surfaces also show normal signs of age, giving the watch a strongly authentic vintage appearance.

Collector’s Highlights
Early L.U.C branding and the Louis-Ulysse Chopard watchmaking heritage give this pocket watch strong historical identity.
The distinctive red and black 12-hour and 24-hour dual-scale dial provides unusual visual character and excellent period appeal.
The 15-jewel movement with cut compensated balance and Breguet hairspring represents an attractive example of traditional Swiss mechanical construction.
The 0.800 silver case and richly inscribed medal-decorated dust cover add further historical and collectible character.
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