Pocket Watch: Antique Tavannes Silver Niello Pocket Watch

The watch has a stem-winding movement, signed Tavannes Watch Co, which is working nicely. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which has a little unevenness. The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop. The case is nielloware, where a black mixture, usually of sulphur, copper, silver, and lead, is used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver, in this case 900 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 is also a cartouche to the back of the watch with a rose gold wash. The inner case back is 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 to the back, and some niello loss. The acrylic lens is in good condition. The dial is signed with the Tavannes name although it is quite faded now. An inner 24 hour dial picked out in red. Blued steel hands. There is a short very faint hairline between 1 and 2, very difficult to see with the naked eye. The watch comes in a new presentation box. All prices include UK postage (excluding Northern Ireland). Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country. The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. 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 can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the red 'Buy Now' button on each listing page. 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.