Antique Helios Niello-ware Hunter Pocket Watch.

Antique Helios niello-ware hunter pocket watch.

The watch has a stem-winding movement which is working nicely. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.

The watch measures 51mm diameter excluding the winding crown and loop. The case is niello ware… niello is a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver, in this case 800 silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal.

There are silver marks inside both of the case backs, the Swiss 800 silver mark and the German crescent and crown silver mark.

Both of the case backs are stamped Niel HF, this is the mark of Huguenin Freres of Le Locle, Switzerland. They were well known jewellers and watch case makers, as well as manufacturers of some of the early Olympic medals. They were one of the most prolific producers of niello cases throughout the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.

The case has some unevenness in places. The front cover has a cartouche with the original owner’s initials.

The winding crown pushes in to open the release the front cover. Inside, there is a glass lens which is in good condition.

The dial is signed Helios, a brand name registered by several different watch makers. The dial is in good condition.

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.

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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.