Rare Antique Silver Joan of Arc Pocket Watch

Rare antique silver Joan of Arc pocket watch.

The watch has a Cyma stem-winding movement which is working nicely.

The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which is signed with the name of the original retailer and renowned watch maker, L Chibault, Horloger de la Marine de L’Etat (watch maker to the State Navy), Rouen.

The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop. The case is 800 silver and there are Continental hallmarks on the inner cover and the stem. The inside of the case back is stamped with the Tavannes Watch Company logo… Cyma watches were manufactured in the Tavannes factory.

The hinged case back carries the wording Jehanne de par le Roi du Ciel, sauve la France (Joan, by order of the King of Heaven, save France). This was the rallying cry and personal motto of Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). Carrying a watch with Joan of Arc and her divine motto was a way for a French citizen to quietly display their patriotic pride, political leanings, or religious faith every time they checked the hour.

The case is in very nice condition, as is the glass lens.

The dial is signed Ponctua, a name registered by Tavannes in 1906. It is in beautiful condition with original ornate hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and outer minute markers.

The watch comes in a new presentation box.

ALL PRICES INCLUDE UK POSTAGE (because of GPSR legislation, we no longer post items less than 100 years old to Europe, including Northern Ireland).

Please contact us regarding international shipping.

All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.

We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.

Credit / debit card purchases up to £300 can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the 'Purchase Antique' button on each listing page. Alternatively, there is a Paypal payment link if you scroll down the page and we also accept bank transfers.

We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.