mechanical pocket watch signed Knut Bergqvist - 1900-1949

Overview
This is an antique mechanical pocket watch signed Knut Bergqvist, Köping, with a strong 19th-century Scandinavian character. The white enamel dial features elegant elongated Roman numerals, an outer minute scale and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock, complemented by finely decorated gilt hands. The inscription Knut Bergqvist Köping is prominently displayed on the dial and forms an important part of the historical identity of the watch. The visible movement does not carry a Knut Bergqvist maker’s signature, so the most accurate description is a Knut Bergqvist, Köping signed pocket watch rather than definitively identifying Bergqvist as the movement manufacturer. A closely comparable watch recorded by Kaplans bears case number 318828, while this example is numbered 318832, with the same approximate 50.5 mm size and Knut Bergqvist Köping signature. That comparable example was dated to around 1860, supporting a similar approximate period for this watch. kaplans.se The principal highlights are the Knut Bergqvist Köping signature, 0.800 silver case, Half Chronometer and Spiral Breguet 15 Rubis inscriptions, and the richly engraved angel and floral case back.
Technical and condition details
Brand and signature: Knut Bergqvist, Köping
The dial is clearly signed Knut Bergqvist Köping. This type of signature gives the watch a distinctive Swedish local watchmaking and retail character. As the visible movement is not signed by Knut Bergqvist, it is more accurate to describe the piece as a Knut Bergqvist Köping signed pocket watch rather than claiming Bergqvist as the movement manufacturer.
Type: Antique mechanical pocket watch
Approximate period: Around 1860. A closely comparable Knut Bergqvist Köping example with a very close case number has been dated by Kaplans to approximately 1860. kaplans.se
Winding: Key wound
Function: Running when tested. No long-term test has been performed.
Dial layout: Central hours and minutes with subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and an outer minute scale
Dial: White enamel dial with elongated black Roman numerals, Arabic minute markings and decorative gilt hands. The scripted Knut Bergqvist Köping signature forms a prominent feature of the dial.
Case: 0.800 silver case, clearly hallmarked on the inside. Case number 318832. The silver has developed natural oxidation and age-related patina, giving the watch an authentic antique appearance.
Case-back engraving: The outer back cover is one of the most decorative features of the watch. It is finely engraved with a winged angel above an ornamental central cartouche, surrounded by large flowers, foliage and flowing ribbon decoration. The central cartouche contains a faint intertwined monogram or personal engraving, although the individual letters are not sufficiently clear to identify with confidence. Fine concentric engine-turned lines and a beaded border complete the elaborate 19th-century decorative composition.
Inner cuvette inscriptions:
HALF CHRONOMETER
Spiral Breguet
15 Rubis
Spiral Breguet indicates a Breguet-style hairspring arrangement, while 15 Rubis refers to a 15-jewel movement. Half Chronometer should be understood as a period quality designation and should not be interpreted as modern official chronometer certification.
Movement: Traditional gilt mechanical movement with bridge construction and mechanical regulator. Together with the cuvette inscriptions, the watch is identified as having a 15-jewel movement with Breguet-style hairspring characteristics.
Diameter: Approx. 50.55 mm
Weight: Approx. 93.39 g
Accessories: Supplied with an antique-style gold-tone pocket watch chain and winding key. The chain is visually well matched to the watch and adds considerably to the completeness and display appeal of the set.
Condition:
Overall in honest antique condition with clear signs of age and use. The 0.800 silver case shows natural oxidation, surface scratches, edge wear and period patina. The elaborate angel, floral and ribbon engraving on the back remains clearly visible and is one of the strongest visual features of the watch. The enamel dial remains generally well preserved with minor age-related marks and light surface imperfections. The movement runs when tested, although no extended running or accuracy test has been performed. The accompanying chain and key also show normal age-related wear and oxidation.
Collector’s highlights
- Distinctive Knut Bergqvist, Köping signed dial with strong Swedish historical character and a closely comparable documented period example.
- Half Chronometer, Spiral Breguet and 15 Rubis inscriptions give the movement considerable technical and period interest.
- Elaborately engraved 0.800 silver case back featuring a winged angel, flowers, ribbon decoration and a central personal cartouche.
- Accompanied by an old pocket watch chain and winding key, creating a particularly complete and attractive display set.
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