Roskopf - Art Nouveau - 1850-1900

Antique pocket watch – Roskopf system – Switzerland – Late 19th / Early 20th century

Vintage Roskopf-type pocket watch, designed to be economical and robust, of Swiss origin and approximately dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. This model represents the watchmaking innovation of Louis Roskopf, who democratized access to reliable mechanical watches.

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Main features
• Type: Pocket watch (fob watch), Lépine style (rear opening)
• Brand / System: Roskopf (economical and robust system, patented)
Origin: Switzerland
Estimated period: Between 1890 and 1920.
• Winding mechanism: Crown at 12 o'clock, typical for the era.

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Case and dial
Case
• Common metal (maillechort, nickel-plated brass, or steel), often called 'gunmetal' for the Roskopf.
Smooth or lightly decorated edges, absence of gold or solid silver stamps.
Dial
Raised cartouches with Arabic numerals
Guilloché motif or floral engraving at the center.
Neutral color, typical of the economic models of the time.
Glass: Likely mineral or acrylic.

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Movement
Type: Mechanical with manual winding, pocket watch
• Calibre: Roskopf system / 'economic calibre'
Exhaust: Generally with a simplified cylinder or anchor.
• Inscription: “SYSTEME” visible on the movement, referencing the Roskopf patent.
Materials: Gold-plated brass for the movement and internal components.
Operation
Winding via the crown
Setting the time with the crown

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State
• Functioning: Mechanical movement in working condition (to be checked by a watchmaker if necessary).
Appearance: Visible signs of wear on the case and dial, consistent with the watch's age.
Comment: A typical piece from popular watches of the era, ideal for collectors or enthusiasts of vintage watchmaking.