Lotus - Open-face antimagnetic chapter ring - 1970-1979

Introduction

This is a Lotus open-face pocket watch with a champagne-toned dial dressed in Roman numerals and a 24-hour outer chapter ring, signed 'Lotus' in script and marked 'Antimagnetic' and 'Swiss Movt'. The two-tone blued-steel hands — an elegant spade-tipped hour and a slender minute — stand out clearly against the warm gilt surface. The movement is a manually wound Swiss-parts calibre, visible with the caseback opened, and the watch comes on its original snake-link fob chain.

Historical / Era context

Lotus was a trade name used predominantly for mid-century Swiss-movement pocket watches sold in export markets, combining classic open-face styling with affordable Swiss ébauche movements. The engraved diamond-pattern caseback and the external 24-hour chapter ring give the watch a practical, utilitarian character that appealed to working buyers of the 1950s–1970s. The snake chain with its T-bar clip is correct period accessory for this style of fob watch.

Condition

The watch is running and keeping good time. The watch was checked lying flat (dial up) after a full wind. This is a spot check at the time of listing; as a vintage mechanical watch the rate in actual wear varies with position and winding state, and long-term accuracy is not guaranteed. As a vintage timepiece it may benefit from a service.

Case: The gold-toned case shows general wear consistent with age: the bezel rim and back edge carry scattered fine scratches and the plating shows loss and patina across the surfaces, most noticeably on the back panel. The engraved diamond pattern on the exterior caseback is still well-defined. The bow and crown show some tarnishing but are fully functional.

Dial: The champagne dial is in good overall condition with the Roman numerals, script branding and chapter-ring numerals all remaining clearly legible. There is light age-related toning across the surface but no major staining or lifting visible.

Crystal: The domed acrylic crystal shows light surface scratching consistent with use but remains transparent and free of cracks.

Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened, the movement is marked 'Swiss Parts' and 'One Jewel Unadjusted', fitted with a single jewel at the balance pivot. The plates are bright with no obvious corrosion, and the balance oscillates freely.

Accessories: The original snake-link fob chain with T-bar clip is included. No box or papers.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: LOTUS
Model: Lotus Antimagnetic Swiss Movt
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Jewels: 1 jewel
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 41 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 46 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 50.5 mm
Dial color: Champagne
Weight: approx. 49 g
Accessories: Fob chain with T-bar clip
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: keeping good time (checked lying flat after a full wind)

Closing note

A characterful mid-century Swiss open-face fob watch carrying an honest one-jewel movement and a striking 24-hour chapter ring — a practical collector's piece with period chain. 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; 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.