The Grenchen Firm that Became Eterna, in Silver, c.1890s
This open-face pocket watch was made by Schild Frères & Co of Grenchen, Switzerland, sometime in the 1890s. The firm later became Eterna SA in 1905, and this piece carries their IXL trademark (registered 1891) on the case back, along with their PROT design-protection mark on the movement bridge, both confirmed identifiers for the maker.
The case is .800 silver, 48.6mm in diameter, with gold-plated front and back bezels. The back is engine-turned with a floral and foliate border around a blank cartouche, so there's no monogram to work around. Silver control marks (0.800 fineness, Swiss wood-grouse mark) are stamped inside the case back alongside the case serial number, 729634.
The white enamel dial is in immaculate condition, no chips or hairlines, with Roman numerals and a sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock. The hour and minute hands are ornate pierced scrollwork, a decorative style typical of the period. Movement serial number is 732428.
Mechanically, the watch winds, sets, and runs correctly and consistently. The case back opens on a knife-edge hinge and closes securely, no separate dust cover; opening it gives direct access to the movement.
Condition-wise, this is a Very Good example. The only wear of note is light discolouration to the gold plating on the bezels, consistent with age and handling. There's an untraced stamp reading IGFI at the bow, likely a retailer or fitter's mark rather than anything traceable to a specific maker.
No box or papers are included. Sourced from a private collection.
A solidly identified, fully functional Swiss pocket watch from a maker with genuine horological history behind it.
