Antique Unbranded - Key Wind Wach - 1850-1900

antique Swiss Pocket Watch – Key Wind – Argentan Case – 47 mm – 19th Century

Beautiful antique Swiss pocket watch dating from the late 19th century, featuring a traditional key-wind movement and an elegantly engraved Argentan case.

This is a classic European pocket watch with refined Roman numerals and ornate Louis XV style hands, representing the craftsmanship and aesthetic of the period.

Technical Details

Origin: Swiss
Movement: Mechanical, key-wind
Escapement: Traditional Swiss lever type
Setting: Key set (two square arbors visible on the movement)
Period: Late 19th century

The movement is a gilt-finished Swiss construction with large bridges and traditional architecture typical of the era. The watch is currently running. No service history is known and long-term accuracy has not been tested.

Case

Case material: Argentan (nickel silver / German silver)
Double case with inner dust cover
Finely engraved floral decoration on the outer caseback
Diameter: 47 mm (excluding crown)
Numbered and stamped inside case (see photos)

Argentan, also known as nickel silver, was widely used in quality 19th century watches for its durability and resistance.

Dial

White enamel dial
Black Roman numerals
Red five-minute markers
Ornate gold-tone hands
Visible hairline cracks consistent with age

The dial shows age-related cracks and wear, typical for enamel dials over 100 years old. These signs reflect authenticity and period character.

Condition

Running at time of listing
No guarantee on accuracy
Sold without documented service history
Signs of age, patina and wear consistent with a late 19th century timepiece
Please refer carefully to the photographs as they form part of the description

Overall Impression

A genuine 19th century Swiss key-wind pocket watch in a beautifully engraved Argentan case. An attractive collector’s piece showcasing traditional mechanical watchmaking from the golden age of European horology.

Carefully packed and shipped with tracking.