Zenith - K. Serkisoff & Co., Constantinople Billodes Ottoman Market - 68785 - 1900-1949

Billodes (Zenith) for Ottoman Market – K. Serkisoff & Co Constantinople – 0.800 Silver Hunter Pocket Watch (c. 1900)
​Description
​An exceptional and highly collectible Billodes (early Zenith) silver pocket watch produced specifically for the Ottoman market. Retailer-marked on the dial by K. Serkisoff & Co. Constantinople with vibrant polychrome hand-painted floral embellishments.
​Billodes was founded by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland—the maker who later renamed the firm Zenith. Pocket watches from Billodes crafted for the Ottoman Empire are among the most sought-after military and commercial timepieces of the era.
​Key Features:
​Dial: Original white enamel dial in good condition visual smull damage in the center featuring classic Ottoman / Eastern Arabic numerals, double minute track, and sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Decorated with delicate hand-painted floral garland accents and signed "K. SERKISOFF & CO / CONSTANTINOPLE" in dark lettering. Fitted with classic dark steel hands.
​Movement: Authentic Billodes key-wind movement clearly engraved "BILLODES" on the barrel bridge alongside the registered trademark shield logo and Ottoman script regulator markings (Fast/Slow / FAST/SLOW).
​Case: Full hunter 0.800 solid silver case. The inner case lid features full Swiss silver hallmarks (0,800 stamp, grouse/ptarmigan mark, bear hallmark), along with the iconic Billodes crest emblem ("BILLODES REGISTERED").
​Serial Numbers: Case serial numbers 68785 and 553687 stamped on case covers.
​Case Details: Intricately engraved floral relief bezel with an unengraved shield cartouche on the polished back cover.
Diameter:50mm
Weight:96g
​Condition Report:
​Dial: Well-preserved enamel with crisp, clear numerals and vivid floral detailing.
​Case: 0.800 silver case in solid, authentic antique condition showing light, honest surface wear and natural silver patina consistent with age. Hinges and covers close properly.
​Movement: movement bridge and gear train. Intact balance wheel assembly. As with all historical timepieces, routine servicing is recommended for daily precision timekeeping.
​Technical Specifications in working order
​Brand / Maker: Billodes (Georges Favre-Jacot / early Zenith)
​Retailer: K. Serkisoff & Co., Constantinople
​Target Market: Ottoman Empire
​Movement: Mechanical Key-Wind / Key-Set
​Case Material: 0.800 Solid Silver
​Era: Late 19th / Early 20th Century (c. 1895–1905)
​Country of Origin: Le Locle, Switzerland
​A prime collector’s piece combining Swiss precision horology with rich Ottoman history.