Other - Enamel-back miniature open-face pendant - 1990-1999

Introduction

A delightful miniature open-face pendant watch by Halcyon Days Enamels, London, featuring a white dial with Roman numeral hour markers, an outer Arabic minute track, and elegant gold-tone fleur-de-lis style hands. The reverse carries a hand-painted enamel panel depicting a tabby kitten nestled in a large shell against a turquoise ground — a hallmark of Halcyon Days' celebrated decorative enamel tradition. The movement is quartz, powered by a SR716S button cell, and the case is gold-toned with a bow and winding crown for setting.

Historical / Era context

Halcyon Days Enamels was founded in London in 1950 and holds a Royal Warrant as supplier of objets d'art to Her Majesty The Queen, as stated inside the presentation box. The company revived the 18th-century English craft of Battersea and Bilston enamelware, applying hand-painted enamel decoration to small collectible objects including these miniature pendant watches. Each piece is accompanied by Halcyon Days paperwork including a guarantee, a certificate of authenticity, and a card noting an association with the Smithsonian Institution's collection of American history. The kitten-and-shell motif is consistent with the charming Victorian-style animal subjects favoured by the brand.

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 is in very good overall condition with only minor surface marks on the caseback outer disc. The bow and crown are intact. No significant dents or deformation are noted.

Dial: The white dial is clean and fully legible. The Roman numerals, minute track, and 'HALCYON DAYS ENAMELS' text are all crisp with no staining or fading observed.

Crystal: The crystal is clear with no chips or cracks visible.

Movement: The watch is running. The quartz movement is visible with the caseback opened and is fitted with a SR716S silver-oxide button cell. The movement plate carries gold-toned finishing and the circuit board is in clean condition.

Accessories: Comes complete with the original Halcyon Days dark blue presentation box (lined in blue velvet with Royal Warrant gilt text inside the lid), a black velvet drawstring pouch, the original hang tag, guarantee card, certificate of authenticity, Smithsonian association card, a descriptive brochure on the revival of 18th-century English enamel craft, and a Japanese-language instruction booklet.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: HALCYON DAYS
Model: HALCYON DAYS ENAMELS
Movement: Quartz (quartz)
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 24.5 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 32.9 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 36.4 mm
Dial color: White
Weight: approx. 14 g
Accessories: Original Halcyon Days blue presentation box, Blue velvet interior lining with Royal Warrant gilt text, Black velvet drawstring pouch, Original hang tag, Guarantee card, Certificate of authenticity, Smithsonian Institution association card, Descriptive brochure on 18th-century English enamel craft, Japanese-language instruction booklet
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: keeping good time (checked lying flat after a full wind)

Closing note

This is a charming, fully boxed Halcyon Days miniature enamel pendant watch — a collectible at the intersection of fine English decorative art and horological craft, appealing equally to enamel collectors and pocket watch enthusiasts. Please examine all photographs closely 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.