Unusual silver hermetic cased pocket watch by Tavannes c1930

This is a very unusual silver cased pocket watch. These hermetic watches were made in an attempt to keep moisture out of a watch – very useful in hot humid climates and this watch has an inscription from Hong Kong – so a practical watch for that climate.

To keep the movement moisture and dust free, the movement sits within a metal casing. Then by pulling out the winder, this is screwed into the solid case. Once fully screwed in place, the winder then slots into the winding hole for winding and setting.

Movement – the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and is signed “New Factory, Tavannes”. The movement is in 95% mint condition – a very clean example

Case – the solid silver case has screw off bezel (and movement container) described above. Inside the case has silver marks for .800 silver and is signed “New Factory, Tavannes”.

The back of the case has a faint inscription “Presented to Srgt W Bent by Reserve Signals, Hong Kong, 24-3-33”.

The rest of the case has a smooth plain finish and is in 90% mint condition – 1 small bruise on the edge and a faded inscription

Dial – the white enamel dial has a pair of gilt hands and a blue steel sub seconds hand. The dial is signed “New Factory, Tavannes”. The dial is in 85% mint condition – scattered hairlines in the centre and on the sub seconds

The watch has a mineral glass

The watch measures 51mm wide x 14mm deep

The watch is stem wound / stem set

The watch comes in a leather box of the period lined with silk and velvet