This open face sterling silver men’s pocket watch from Helvetia is a clean example to add to any collection.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the import hallmark on the inside case back we can accurately date this watch to being imported into the UK in 1960. It is very uncommon for used watches to assayed on import, so this was likely imported new in 1960.
CONDITION
By 1960 you may think no one was still buying pocket watches, but we know from the catalogues from the time that they were still popular enough to produce. Helvetia is a Swiss company that pre date Omega, and were founded by the same person as Omega. You can read more on their history here. The case is assayed at 0.925 silver, which is sterling standard. Unlike gold, where the UK has one of the lowest purity standards (0.375 / 9k), the sterling silver standard is one of the highest – continental or Indian silver is often 0.800. The case is in good shape and the rear is particularly nice. The dial is clean, and the blue hands straight. The movement is a manual wind calibre 32A, and Helvetia had been making this movement since the 1930’s. The 15 jewel movement is stem set and wind in the conventional way, and is working well.
This watch will be supplied with a basic presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 62.9 mm (excluding bow)
Width without crown 49.9 mm
Case Thickness 12.4 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 1 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.