Election - Grand Prix - 1900-1949

Pocket Watch Election Grand Prix (Circa 1914)
Company history:
The Election brand was officially registered in 1901 by the Braunschweig family factory (whose origins date back to 1850) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It established itself as one of the region’s most prominent manufacturers thanks to the production of high-precision, slender watches with robust anchor calibers. A key milestone in its commercial prestige occurred when it was awarded the Grand Prix at the Bern National Exhibition in 1914, a commemorative achievement that they routinely stamp on the dust caps of their chronometry pieces.
Aesthetic description:
Case: Made of sterling silver with 0.800 standard (accompanied by the Swiss ptarmigan hallmark) and serial number 109860. The back cover features a brushed finish with a central raised shield surrounded by vegetal volutes and a cartouche.
Dial: White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals for the 12-hour format, complemented by an inner scale in greens/blues for the 24-hour cycle (military or railway time system). Brand logo "ELECTION" printed under 12 o’clock.
Subdial: Separate seconds subdial located at the 6 o’clock position.
Hands: Blued steel spade hands.
Dimensions: Diameter 50.54 mm and weight 74.98 g.
Technical and mechanical description:
Movement: Manual-wind mechanical caliber with gilded finish, characterized by adjacent curved bridges and ruby stones mounted as functional chatons.
Dust cover: Interior hinged cover with institutional engravings certifying the "Grand Prix Berne 1914" and the category "Precision Chronométrique", flanked by depictions of the medals and prizes won by the house.
Rarity and historical value:
The dual time display on the dial (12 and 24 hours) is a highly practical technical feature much sought after by collectors, typical of watches intended for official service, transportation, or railway use in the early 20th century. Likewise, the direct mention of the Grand Prix of Bern places the piece’s production chronologically exactly after 1914.
Condition and operation:
The mechanism is operative and runs. However, due to the passage of decades and the natural degradation and drying of the internal lubricating oils, it is recommended to subject it to a professional overhaul and cleaning to ensure long-term movement integrity and prevent premature wear of the pivots.