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

Pontiac was founded by Ali Kinsbergen in the early 1930s. His firm, A. Kinsbergen, with offices in Brussels and Amsterdam, also imported Omega and Tissot, and the watches were made in Switzerland, for many years by Suprécis of Biel. The brand became a Benelux favourite.

This is a ladies' pendant watch, worn on a chain. 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 carries a panel of deep red guilloché enamel with a spray of gold roses applied over it, the enamel clean and unbroken.

Behind the dial sits a 17-jewel Swiss manual-wind movement, signed Pontiac. It winds smoothly, sets cleanly and runs as it should. The white dial is bright and unmarked, with crisp black Roman numerals and black baton hands. An ornate openwork bow sits above the crown. The gold plating shows only light wear consistent with age, softening a little around the bow.

At 27.7mm it is a small, wearable piece in very good condition.