Libelle - Vintage - 1950-1959

Libelle Antimagnetic 17 Rubies Pocket Watch - Swiss Mechanical Movement (Mid-20th Century)
Technical and Aesthetic Description
Case: Chrome-plated metal with polished finish, minimalist linear design and rounded savonette/lepine-style profile with crown at 12 o'clock. Diameter 43.06 mm and total weight 42.45 g. Flat screw-down back with light signs of wear.
Dial: Silver-tone dial with sunburst finish. Applied hour markers in gold/yellow gold with raised relief, combining baton indices with stylized Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. Central baton hands in gold. Black inscriptions: "LIBELLE", "17 RUBIS", "ANTIMAGNETIC" and the lower marking "SWISS MADE".
Crystal: Organic (plexiglass) convex.
Movement (Calibre): Manual-wind mechanical movement of Swiss origin, equipped with 17 jewels, anti-shock system and anchor escapement. Balance wheel bridge with regulation rack marked A-R. Clean movement with light metallic finish and standardized threads and components dating from the mid-period.
Brand and Movement History
Brand context (Libelle): The trade name Libelle (meaning dragonfly in German and other Central European languages) was used mainly by independent Swiss watch brands during the heyday of manual-wind mechanical watchmaking, in the mid-20th century (1950s–1960s). These brands typically sourced parts and standardized calibres produced in the Swiss watch valleys (especially the Bernese Jura and Soleure), intended for export to European and American markets under commercially specific names with broad popularity.
Calibre evolution: The 17-jewel movement represents the technical standard of high functionality for the era, ensuring reduced friction in the main gears and greater chronometric precision against daily wear. The inclusion of the Antimagnetic specification responds to post-war industrial modernization, protecting the balance spring from magnetic fields generated by household appliances and everyday devices.