ARSA - HUNTER Pocket Watch - 1900-1949

ARSA Hunter – Swiss Mechanical Pocket Watch – Porcelain Dial – Hunting Scene Case – 50 mm – Vintage

An elegant vintage Swiss pocket watch, this ARSA Hunter combines traditional mechanical watchmaking with beautiful decorative craftsmanship and the timeless charm of classical European horology.

Featuring a substantial 50 mm metal case, a white porcelain dial with distinctive black Arabic numerals, delicate floral decorations and ornate gold-toned hands, this pocket watch is a charming example of traditional Swiss watchmaking.

One of its most remarkable features is the beautifully embossed hunting scene on the case back, depicting a hunter with his rifle and two hunting dogs in a woodland landscape.

The combination of the decorative case, refined dial and traditional Swiss mechanical movement makes this ARSA an attractive collector's piece.

Technical Details

Brand: ARSA

Model: Hunter – Vintage Mechanical Pocket Watch

Origin: Switzerland – Swiss Made

Case: Metal case with decorative embossed hunting scene

Diameter: 50 mm, excluding the crown

Weight: Approximately 88 grams

Crystal: Acrylic crystal

Dial: White porcelain dial with delicate floral decorations

Hour Markers: Large black stylised Arabic numerals

Additional Scale: Red 13–24 hour markings around the outer dial

Minute Markers: Gold-toned dots arranged around the outer circumference

Hands: Ornate gold-toned hour and minute hands with decorative filigree styling

Movement: Swiss mechanical movement, ARSA signed

Jewels: 15 jewels, as marked on the movement

Winding: Mechanical, manually wound

Functions: Hours, minutes and subsidiary seconds

Small Seconds: Separate seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock

Shock Protection: Incabloc, as indicated on the dial

Crown: Traditional fluted winding crown positioned at 12 o'clock

Bow: Decorative metal suspension bow for attachment to a pocket-watch chain

Case Back: Highly detailed embossed hunting scene featuring a hunter, two dogs and a woodland landscape

Case Construction: Traditional hinged hunter-style case with an opening rear cover

Water Resistance: Not tested. Water resistance cannot be guaranteed.

Accessories: Generic presentation box

Condition Report

Grade B+ – Good vintage condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and previous use.

The watch presents an attractive overall vintage appearance, retaining its decorative character and traditional pocket-watch proportions.

The metal case displays surface scratches, small marks and natural signs of ageing.

The beautifully embossed hunting scene on the case back remains clearly visible, preserving the fine decorative details of the hunter, hunting dogs, trees and surrounding landscape.

The relief decoration gives the watch a distinctive appearance and represents one of its most appealing visual characteristics.

The white porcelain dial retains its attractive classical design, with large black Arabic numerals, red 24-hour markings and delicate floral decorations.

The ornate gold-toned hands remain visually attractive and complement the decorative dial.

The subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock preserves its traditional appearance.

The acrylic crystal may show minor surface marks consistent with previous use.

The mechanical movement is visually presented with its traditional metal bridges, exposed winding gears and visible ruby-coloured jewels.

The movement bears ARSA markings and the inscription "15 Jewels Swiss".

The service history and long-term timekeeping accuracy have not been independently verified. As with any vintage mechanical pocket watch, periodic servicing may be advisable.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the condition description.

Important Water Resistance Notice:

Water resistance has not been tested.

Due to the vintage construction of this pocket watch, exposure to water or moisture should be avoided.

Set & Accessories

ARSA Hunter vintage mechanical pocket watch

Generic presentation box

No original papers or service documentation specified

Story & Heritage

ARSA – Traditional Swiss Watchmaking Heritage

ARSA is a name associated with the tradition of Swiss mechanical watchmaking, an industry renowned for its precision engineering, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

During the golden age of mechanical pocket watches, Swiss manufacturers produced timepieces that combined practical functionality with refined decorative elements.

Pocket watches were more than instruments for measuring time. They were often valued personal possessions, passed between generations and appreciated for their mechanical construction and artistic appearance.

The ARSA Hunter reflects this tradition through its Swiss mechanical movement, porcelain dial and richly decorated metal case.

Its classical design recalls a period when pocket watches were essential accessories for gentlemen, travellers and professionals.

The Hunting Scene – A Tribute to European Tradition

The most distinctive feature of this ARSA pocket watch is undoubtedly its elaborately decorated case back.

The embossed scene depicts a hunter standing in a woodland landscape, carrying a rifle and accompanied by two hunting dogs.

The hunter is shown raising an instrument to his mouth, while the dogs stand attentively beside him.

Trees, foliage and textured landscape details complete the composition, creating a miniature decorative scene.

Hunting imagery has a long tradition in European decorative arts.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, hunting scenes frequently appeared on pocket watches, cigarette cases, medals and other personal accessories.

These motifs symbolised outdoor life, adventure, craftsmanship and the traditions of the European countryside.

Pocket watches decorated with hunting scenes were especially appreciated for their artistic character.

The relief decoration transformed a practical timekeeping instrument into a personal object with visual and cultural significance.

On this ARSA, the detailed woodland composition gives the watch a distinctive identity, making it particularly appealing to collectors of hunting-themed pocket watches and decorative vintage timepieces.

The White Porcelain Dial – Classical Elegance

The white porcelain dial is another outstanding feature of this ARSA Hunter.

Its design combines excellent readability with delicate decorative details.

Large black Arabic numerals provide a bold contrast against the white background.

The stylised numeral shapes give the watch a distinctive vintage appearance.

Around the outer edge, small gold-toned dots mark the minutes, while red numerals indicate the additional 13–24 hour scale.

This combination of black, red and gold creates a visually balanced dial.

At the centre, delicate floral decorations introduce a softer artistic element.

The small flowers and fine coloured details contrast beautifully with the bold hour numerals.

The ornate gold-toned hands feature decorative shapes inspired by traditional European watchmaking.

Their intricate design complements the floral decoration and reinforces the classical character of the timepiece.

At 6 o'clock, the subsidiary seconds dial provides an additional indication of the movement's operation.

This arrangement is characteristic of traditional mechanical pocket watches and contributes to the watch's historical appearance.

The Swiss Mechanical Movement – 15 Jewels

Inside the ARSA Hunter is a traditional Swiss mechanical movement marked with 15 jewels.

Jewelled bearings are an important feature of mechanical watchmaking.

They are used at selected friction points within the movement to reduce wear and support the operation of the gear train and regulating mechanism.

The presence of 15 jewels reflects a conventional construction commonly found in traditional Swiss mechanical pocket watches.

The movement is manually wound through the crown.

By turning the crown, energy is stored in the mainspring.

This stored energy is gradually released through the movement's mechanical components, allowing the hands to measure the passage of time.

The movement also features visible metal bridges, traditional winding wheels and a mechanical regulating system.

The dial bears the inscription "Incabloc", referring to a recognised shock-protection system used in mechanical watch movements.

Such systems were developed to help protect delicate balance components from certain impacts.

For collectors, the appeal of a mechanical pocket watch lies partly in this direct connection with traditional engineering.

Unlike battery-powered watches, a manually wound pocket watch depends on the interaction of precisely manufactured mechanical components.

The ARSA Hunter preserves this traditional experience.

Decorative Pocket Watches – Art and Function

Throughout the history of European watchmaking, pocket watches were frequently decorated to reflect the tastes and interests of their owners.

Some featured engraved initials or family monograms.

Others displayed floral patterns, geometric ornaments, rural landscapes or hunting scenes.

These decorations gave each watch a more personal character.

The ARSA Hunter belongs to this tradition.

Its embossed hunting scene transforms the rear cover into a small work of decorative metal art.

The white porcelain dial provides an equally attractive contrast, combining bold numerals with delicate floral ornamentation.

Together, these features create a watch that is both functional in design and decorative in appearance.

The 50 mm Case – Traditional Pocket-Watch Proportions

With a diameter of 50 mm and a weight of approximately 88 grams, this ARSA has the substantial presence associated with traditional pocket watches.

The rounded metal case provides a generous opening for the porcelain dial.

The decorative suspension bow and fluted crown complete its classical silhouette.

The hinged rear cover allows access to the mechanical movement, while the embossed hunting decoration gives the exterior a distinctive character.

These features recall the period when pocket watches were carried in waistcoat pockets and attached to chains.

Their larger cases made them practical to handle and easy to read, while decorative finishes reflected the personal preferences of their owners.

Collector Appeal

Vintage Swiss pocket watches continue to attract collectors because they combine mechanical craftsmanship, historical character and distinctive design.

This ARSA Hunter offers several particularly appealing features.

Its white porcelain dial features elegant floral decorations, bold Arabic numerals and a contrasting red 24-hour scale.

The ornate gold-toned hands add classical refinement.

The Swiss mechanical movement, marked with 15 jewels, represents traditional watchmaking construction.

The beautifully embossed hunting scene on the case back provides an additional decorative dimension.

The 50 mm case and approximately 88-gram weight give the watch a substantial, traditional feel.

For collectors of Swiss pocket watches, hunting-themed timepieces, vintage mechanical movements or decorative European horology, this ARSA represents an attractive addition to a collection.

Its Grade B+ condition preserves the character of a vintage timepiece while allowing its decorative features to remain clearly appreciated.

A charming vintage ARSA Hunter pocket watch combining Swiss mechanical watchmaking, a beautifully decorated white porcelain dial, ornate gold-toned hands, a 15-jewel movement and an impressive embossed hunting scene on the case back.

Internal Reference Number –VER-53