Breguet-Style Gilt Hands on White Enamel, c.1925
This is a Zenith open-face pocket watch in 0.800 silver, made in Switzerland around 1925. Zenith needs little introduction: founded in 1865 in Le Locle, the company won a Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris World's Fair and went on to record 2,333 chronometry prizes, a figure no other maker has matched. This watch carries the Zenith signature twice, in red on the dial and engraved on the movement bridge, with the movement's own serial number (1,389,366) stamped near the going barrel.
The case is fully hallmarked: a 0.800 fineness stamp sits alongside the Swiss capercaillie (grouse) control mark used by the Swiss assay offices between 1882 and 1933 for 0.800 silver, plus the round Zenith trade mark. Together these confirm the case passed official Swiss assay. The case back exterior carries a plain polished finish with a vacant cartouche, no monogram.
At 49mm this is a substantial watch. The white enamel dial carries Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds register at 6, and a set of Breguet-style (moon-tip) gilt hands. There is a faint hairline in the enamel near the 6 sub-dial, visible only on close inspection with the naked eye, and a small scratch on the crystal. Beyond that the case and dial present very well.
Mechanically the watch is in good working order: it winds smoothly, sets the hands cleanly via the pull-out crown, and runs consistently. The case back opens with a clean snap-close, and the dust cover beneath is present.
It was acquired as part of a private collection.
