Rare Antique Pocket Watch with Calendar and Moon Phases. 67 mm. Switzerland, circa 1890

Rare Antique Pocket Watch with Calendar and Moon Phases. 67 mm. Switzerland, Circa 1890

This extraordinary pocket watch, manufactured in Switzerland around 1890, is a piece that stands out for its size, mechanical complexity, and aesthetic beauty. With a generous diameter of 67 mm, this antique watch elegantly combines the functionality of its multiple complications with a refined visual presentation. It is a full calendar watch, displaying the day of the week, date, month, and moon phases, all of which are fully functional. Its excellent working condition makes it not only a decorative or collectible item but also a living example of 19th-century mechanical haute horlogerie.

The steel case features an attractive contrast thanks to its gold-plated beading and ring. On its inner case back are the serial numbers 616 and 5718. Beneath the back cover, a glass dust cover protects the movement; although it has a fine crack, its overall condition is sound and it continues to fulfil its protective function perfectly, while also adding a touch of authenticity and patina that only age can impart.

The white porcelain enamel dial is one of the most striking features of this watch. Surrounding it are elegant blue Roman numerals at the hour markers and a minute scale with black Arabic numerals. The dial features hand-applied gold decorative details that enhance its ornamental character. The subdials for the month, day of the week, and date are labelled in French, a common feature of Swiss watchmaking of the era. The black hands, finely crafted in the Louis XV style, harmonize perfectly with the overall design.

Small pins or pushers on the sides of the case allow for adjusting the various calendar functionsa typical technical solution found in complicated watches from the late 19th century. Its visible movement reveals meticulous craftsmanship in the bronze and steel gears and components, a testament to the expertise of Swiss haute horlogerie.

This piece is a magnificent opportunity for watch collectors and for those who appreciate mechanical creations with history and character. Ideal for display in a collectors showcase or as part of an elegant vintage decor.

This antique pocket watch combines elegance, technical mastery, and rarity in a single object: a horological gem that is difficult to find in such good condition.

Dimensions: 6.7 cm (2.64 in).

History of Pocket Watches with Calendar and Moon Phase Functions

Pocket watches featuring complications such as a full calendar and moon phase functions emerged during the 18th century but reached their peak in the 19th century. The combination of these functions represented the absolute mastery of mechanical watchmaking, which sought not only to indicate the time with precision but also to track age in astronomical and calendrical terms. The moon phase display, in particular, had both a romantic and scientific aspect, as it allowed users to track the lunar cycle with a precision that was highly valued in rural settings as well as among astronomy enthusiasts.

During the 19th century, Switzerland established itself as the undisputed leader in the manufacture of high-complication watches. The leading watchmaking houses developed increasingly complex and reliable mechanisms, with systems that displayed the days of the week, months, date, and moon phase on small dials integrated into the watchs main face. These timepieces were crafted almost exclusively by hand and intended for a select clientele who valued both practical utility and aesthetic and technical refinement.

Since this type of watch featured multiple functions adjustable via external pushers, it required technical mastery in both its manufacture and maintenance. It is no coincidence that many of these watches have ended up in museums or private collections. Over time, pocket watches were supplanted by wristwatches, especially after World War I. However, antique models with complications remain highly prized today for their beauty, rarity, and the legacy of a golden age of artisanal watchmaking.