Silver Fob Watch, Key-Wind Cylinder, Plain Enamel Dial, c.1890

This is a small Swiss silver fob watch from around 1890, the kind of everyday pocket watch made in large numbers in the Swiss workshops of the period. The case is 0.800 silver, confirmed by the grouse control mark stamped inside, with an engine-turned back and a blank cartouche that was never engraved with initials. A gilt bow contrasts the silver case.

Inside is a gilt cylinder movement with four jewels, engraved 'Cylindre 4 rubis'. It is wound and set with a key rather than a crown, and it still does both jobs properly: it winds, it sets, and it runs, ticking away steadily.

The white enamel dial carries black Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with slim Breguet-style hands. There are hairline cracks in the enamel, normal for a dial of this age and described honestly here.

At 37.2mm it is a compact piece, well suited to wear as a fob or to sit in a collection of period silver watches. Sold as seen, in good working order.