Jacques Meyer & Fils - Caliber 610 - 73554 - 1900-1949

This object is a historically significant antique silver open-face men’s pocket watch, dating from circa 1897. The watch was made by the Swiss manufacturer Jacques Meyer & Fils (La Chaux-de-Fonds) under the brand name “La Reine.” The inside of the caseback is officially hallmarked for silver fineness 0.800, bears the German Imperial hallmark (crescent moon and crown), and displays the registered factory mark “La Reine Déposé” beneath a royal crown. Its most unique feature is the richly engraved metal dust cover (cuvette), made as a commemorative edition for the Exposition Bruxelles 1897, complete with detailed depictions of the exhibition palace and the profile of Belgian King Leopold II.

The white enamel dial is in excellent, original condition and features a dual hour display: a classic black Roman numeral ring (I–XII), with a red 24-hour indication (13–24) above it. The time is indicated by beautifully detailed rose-gold-colored “Louis XV”-style hands, and the minute track around the outer edge is embellished with raised gold-colored dot markers. At the 6 o’clock position is a recessed subsidiary seconds dial with its own scale. The silver case is finished with a fine beaded edge around the crystal.

The Swiss mechanical movement is a quality cylinder movement, wound by hand via the crown (remontoir à pendant), and fitted with 10 jewels (Cylindre 10 rubis). The movement is officially signed “Calibre 610 Déposé” on the barrel bridge. The balance cock features a finely engraved motif and a regulator marked Avance (Fast) and Retard (Slow). The wheels and bridges have a classic gold-colored matte finish. The movement is clean and in a collector’s condition, complete both visually and mechanically.

Will be shipped by registered and insured mail.