Enicar - Open-face 17-jewel sub-seconds adjusted - 1900-1949

Introduction

A handsome Swiss-made open-face pocket watch by Enicar Watch Co., presenting a cream-white dial with bold Arabic numerals, a dual 12-hour and 24-hour chapter ring, and a subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is a 17-jewel manually wound caliber, adjusted, and signed 'Enicar Watch Co.' on the gilt three-quarter plate. Marked 'Swiss Made' on both the dial and the caseback interior, this is a well-built timepiece from a respected Swiss house.

Historical / Era context

Enicar — 'Racine' spelled backwards — was founded in Lengnau, Switzerland in 1913 by Ariste Racine, producing fine Swiss movements across several decades. This open-face pocket watch represents the brand's mid-century output: a 17-jewel, adjusted movement housed in a plain chrome-finished case, aimed at the working professional or military user who required reliability and legibility. The dial's outer 24-hour track running alongside the standard 12-hour chapter ring was a practical feature used for military and navigational applications.

Condition

The watch is running, with a measured rate of approximately +1 minute per day (gaining). 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 case body measures 48 mm in diameter. The surfaces show scattered fine scratches consistent with age and use. The snap-back cover shows light abrasion on the outer rim. The bow/pendant ring shows some patchy corrosion and surface wear, particularly on the lower arc. Overall the case structure is sound with no dents or deformation.

Dial: The cream dial is legible and largely clean. There is minor age-related discolouration visible near the lower register area. The Arabic numerals and the 24-hour chapter ring markings remain crisp and fully readable. The subsidiary seconds sub-dial at the lower portion of the dial is intact and clear.

Crystal: The crystal is in place and allows a clear view of the dial. There are light surface marks consistent with normal age and handling.

Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened, the movement is visible: it is signed 'Enicar Watch Co.' and 'Adjusted', with '17 Jewels Swiss' engraved on the mainplate. The gilt three-quarter plate is in clean condition, the ruby jewels are intact and bright, and the balance wheel oscillates freely. The movement appears well preserved.

Accessories: No chain, box, or papers are included. The watch is sold as shown.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: Enicar
Model: ENICAR
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 48 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 51.9 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 64.5 mm
Dial color: White
Weight: approx. 72 g
Accessories: None (watch only)
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: approx. +1 minute per day (checked lying flat after a full wind)

Closing note

This is an appealing mid-century Swiss open-face pocket watch from Enicar, combining a bold legible dial with a quality adjusted 17-jewel movement — a fine addition to any collection of Swiss pocket watches. 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.