Antique 15 Jewel Pocket Watch with Engraved Silvered Case - Switzerland 1880–1890

This antique Swiss 15 jewel pocket watch, produced between 1880 and 1890, stands out immediately for the harmony between its decorative elegance and its mechanical integrity. It is remarkable to see how, more than a century after its creation, it still preserves the purity of its surfaces and the internal precision of its movement, protected beneath a crystal that allows its technical beauty to be admired. The silvered metal case displays a soft and refined brightness and is richly engraved with vegetal motifs and geometric patterns that cover the entire surface. These highly elaborate engravings enhance the watch’s personality and give it a distinguished character typical of the quality Swiss craftsmanship of the period. Opening the front cover, all perfectly adjusted and in excellent working order, reveals a clean and luminous white dial with no cracks or damage, where black Roman numerals and a small seconds subdial at six o’clock stand out clearly. The clarity of the composition, the balance of the hands and the proportions of the elements evoke a time when precision and aesthetics were conceived as a single art. Its size, 59 mm in diameter, makes it a watch of notable presence, ideal for those who appreciate large format pieces that are robust yet refined. The front crystal remains transparent and free from scratches, ensuring crisp and elegant legibility. The dust cover of this watch is a true jewel in itself. Made of silvered metal and decorated with an exquisite undulating guilloché, it displays at its centre a medallion engraved with the inscription “15 Rubis – Ancre Ligne Droite – Remontoir – Genève”, accompanied by stylised leaf motifs that frame the ensemble with classical elegance. These inscriptions indicate a 15 jewel movement, a straight line lever escapement appreciated for its precision and a “remontoir”, meaning crown winding, a modern innovation at the time. The relief is deep and crisp, reflecting highly precise craftsmanship. This cover not only protects the movement but also adds a refined aesthetic touch, becoming one of the most attractive elements of the piece. Inside, the 15 jewel movement beats with precision, protected by an internal crystal that allows its cleanliness and exceptional care to be fully appreciated. The bridges, decorated with côtes de Genève and fine perlage, display the classic Swiss architecture of the period. The cut out balance bridge, aligned wheel train and barrel positioned under a wide bridge are all secured with screws notable for their fine finish. The movement works perfectly, keeps time with regularity and shows a stable adjustment, with clean jewels and no visible wear. The interior back cover bears the number 10131, and all covers open and close with precision, confirming the excellent state of preservation of the watch. Few opportunities arise to add such a well preserved piece to a collection. It is an ideal watch to gift to a lover of historical timepieces. It is also perfect for those who seek an object with soul, full of history and beauty. Above all, it is a watch that wins affection from the very first moment, inviting one to imagine the hands that carried it more than a century ago. History of the Swiss Pocket Watch:- The history of the Swiss pocket watch in the nineteenth century is, in many respects, the history of modern horology itself. During this period, Switzerland consolidated its reputation as the world centre of mechanical precision thanks to the union of artisanal tradition, technical development and innovation within family workshops and emerging manufactures. Fifteen jewel watches, such as this example, represent an ideal balance of quality, durability and mechanical refinement. Jewels, whether synthetic or natural, reduced friction and increased precision, becoming a key element in the improvement of mechanical movements. The decades of 1880 and 1890 were particularly brilliant for Swiss watchmaking. The workshops of Geneva, La Chaux de Fonds and Le Locle excelled in the quality of their calibres, the decoration of their bridges and plates and the production of watches that combined robustness with elegance. Exterior engravings, like those on this case, became a highly appreciated hallmark among European and American buyers. The vegetal and geometric aesthetics reflected the artistic influences of the time, from the final phase of Romanticism to the early stirrings of Art Nouveau. The use of silver or silvered metal cases was common, depending on the commission and the purchaser’s means. Although many Swiss watches carried official hallmarks, there were also pieces produced for specific markets or in more discreet quantities that did not always bear these marks. Today, every surviving watch from this period stands as a tangible fragment of the history of timekeeping, an object that has accompanied several generations and now awaits a new home where it can continue to tick. Preserving one is to safeguard an essential part of Europe’s horological heritage.