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West End Watch Co.
A flamboyant yellow gold, enamel, ruby and diamond set half hunter minute-repeating keyless lever pocket watch made for the Indian market
Estimate
CHF8,000–16,000
€8,600–17,200
$9,700–19,300
Manufacturer
West End Watch Co.
Year
Circa 1910
Case No
5 3534
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual
Dimensions
52mm diameter
Signed
Dial and case signed W
Full-Cataloguing
Good To Know:
- Minute repeater
- Enamel and diamond and ruby set
- Made for the Indian market
West End Watch Company, a prominent manufacturer and distributor of watches worldwide since 1886 based in Leytron, Switzerland, served as a vital conduit for Swiss pocket watches destined for India. The first West End Watches are produced by Alcide Droz & Sons and distributed in the Indian market. Most of the Indian railway companies are equipped with West End watches and clocks to help synchronizing what is, till today, the world’s longest rail network.
This exceptional pocket watch exemplifies the richly decorative tradition of Swiss horology, where technical prowess (minute repeater) was combined with the finest techniques of gem setting and miniature art.
The watch is distinguished not only by its minute repeating mechanism but also by an elaborately ornamented gold case, richly applied with polychrome enamel, guilloché decoration and numerous faceted stones.
The half hunter case displays a harmonious palette of deep blue and green enamel, set with diamonds and rubies within scrolling foliate motifs.
The dial is comparatively restrained, its finely engine-turned gold surface providing a subtle, shimmering ground for the applied Roman numerals. Blued hands and a subsidiary seconds register reinforce the formal elegance of the composition.
The reverse presents the most theatrical element: a finely painted enamel miniature depicting a mounted military figure charging into battle, accompanied by troops and a fallen soldier. The scene introduces movement, narrative and romantic drama, transforming the caseback into a miniature historical painting.
- Minute repeater
- Enamel and diamond and ruby set
- Made for the Indian market
West End Watch Company, a prominent manufacturer and distributor of watches worldwide since 1886 based in Leytron, Switzerland, served as a vital conduit for Swiss pocket watches destined for India. The first West End Watches are produced by Alcide Droz & Sons and distributed in the Indian market. Most of the Indian railway companies are equipped with West End watches and clocks to help synchronizing what is, till today, the world’s longest rail network.
This exceptional pocket watch exemplifies the richly decorative tradition of Swiss horology, where technical prowess (minute repeater) was combined with the finest techniques of gem setting and miniature art.
The watch is distinguished not only by its minute repeating mechanism but also by an elaborately ornamented gold case, richly applied with polychrome enamel, guilloché decoration and numerous faceted stones.
The half hunter case displays a harmonious palette of deep blue and green enamel, set with diamonds and rubies within scrolling foliate motifs.
The dial is comparatively restrained, its finely engine-turned gold surface providing a subtle, shimmering ground for the applied Roman numerals. Blued hands and a subsidiary seconds register reinforce the formal elegance of the composition.
The reverse presents the most theatrical element: a finely painted enamel miniature depicting a mounted military figure charging into battle, accompanied by troops and a fallen soldier. The scene introduces movement, narrative and romantic drama, transforming the caseback into a miniature historical painting.