Swiss Made Open Face Watch
A swiss made open face watch offers mechanical precision in a pocket-friendly format, prized by collectors for reliable movement and clean dials.
Swiss Made Open Face Watch
A swiss made open face watch is a portable timekeeper without a protective front cover, allowing immediate visibility of the dial and hands. When you search for this phrase, you encounter pieces originating from the nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century, with the nineteen-thirties and nineteen-twenties appearing most frequently.
The selections span distinct design movements including Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern. Pocket watches dominate the object types, often accompanied by chains, alberts, compasses, or fobs.
Makers and retailers represented range from military suppliers to high street jewellers, spanning silver, gold plated, steel, and base metal constructions. These pieces function as both practical accessories and historical artefacts of Swiss watchmaking.
Materials and Construction
Cases utilise a variety of metals including silver, gold plate, steel, chrome, brass, and general metal. Glass protects the dial face, while enamel frequently provides the smooth, clean surface for numerals and chapter rings.
Movements rely on complex gear trains and jewelled bearings housed within metal chassis. Many examples incorporate specialised mechanisms such as quarter repeaters, split second rattrapantes, or military specifications.
Swiss Made Open Face Watch Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for swiss made open face watch among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature periods spanning the nineteenth century, nineteen-tens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Quality rests upon the refinement of the internal movement and the durability of the casing material. Solid silver and gold plated housings paired with multi-jewelled Swiss movements represent the higher tier of production.
Retained provenance, original chains, or specialised complications like repeaters elevate specific examples. Simpler base metal or chrome models from commercial retailers occupy the more accessible end of the spectrum.
Camerer Cuss·Limit Revue·Thomas Russell and Son·H Samuel·Dennison·Elkington·Vertex·Consul·Lanco·Helvetia·Fortex·Record Trenton·F Orr and Sons·Monte Ancre·Omega
The Swiss Made Open Face Watch Glossary
- Open face
- A watch design lacking a hinged front cover, exposing the dial directly to the user. This configuration allows quick time-reading without opening a case.
- Albert
- A type of watch chain attached to a pocket watch, named after Prince Albert. It is typically secured through a buttonhole to a waistcoat.
- Quarter repeater
- A mechanical complication that chimes the hours and quarters on demand via gongs inside the case. It requires intricate gear assembly.
- Rattrapante
- A split-second chronograph featuring two superimposed stopwatch hands that measure intermediate times. One hand pauses while the other continues to run.
- Fob
- A small ornamental medallion or seal attached to a pocket watch ribbon or chain. It hangs downward from the pocket.
Swiss Made Open Face Watch: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wind a mechanical pocket watch?
Wind the crown at the top of the watch gently clockwise until you feel resistance. Do not overwind, as this can strain the mainspring.
Set the time by pulling the crown upward or pressing a small pin set into the case, depending on the specific model mechanism.
What does open face mean?
An open face watch has no metal lid covering the glass crystal. The dial is visible immediately upon taking the watch from your pocket.
This style contrasts with hunter pocket watches, which feature a spring-loaded metal cover that protects the glass.
How should I store my pocket watch?
Keep the watch in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields. A padded watch box or dedicated pocket watch stand prevents accidental surface scratching.
If the piece is not in regular use, allow the power reserve to run down completely rather than keeping it under constant tension.
Can I wear a pocket watch without a vest?
Yes, you can secure the chain to a belt loop, slip the watch into a trouser pocket, or secure it directly to a jacket lapel buttonhole.
Traditional waistcoats are not required, provided the chain anchor point remains secure and the pocket depth accommodates the watch size.