Red Guilloché Enamel Back, Applied Gold Rose, c.1970

Pontiac was founded in Antwerp by Ali Kinsbergen in the early 1930s, a Belgian house built on a simple idea: proper Swiss watchmaking at a price ordinary people could reach. The brand became a Benelux favourite, and the three stars beneath the name on this dial are Pontiac's own quality mark, three being the highest grade they awarded.

This is a ladies' pendant watch, made to be worn on a chain or pinned to a jacket rather than carried in a pocket. The case is gold-plated with a soft brushed finish, framed by a band of engraved floral chasing that runs the full way round. The back is the reason to own it: a panel of deep red guilloché enamel with a spray of gold roses applied over it, the enamel clean and unbroken. It is a genuinely pretty object, and photographs do not quite do the colour justice.

Behind the dial sits a 17-jewel Swiss manual-wind movement, signed Pontiac. It winds smoothly, sets cleanly and runs as it should. The silvered dial is bright and unmarked, with crisp black Roman numerals and an ornate openwork bow above the crown. The gold plating shows only light wear consistent with age, softening a little around the bow where a watch of this style is always handled most.

At 27.7mm it is a small, wearable piece, well suited to anyone who likes vintage jewellery watches or is building a collection of enamel pendants. A charming, honest piece in very good condition, ready to wear or gift.