Since the 16th century, until wristwatches became popular after World War I, pocket watches have been an essential piece of males fashion. They have also played a significant role in the developments of the watch world. Pocket watches generally had an attached chain, which allowed to secure the watch to a waistcoat, lapel, or belt loop.
The very first pocket watches all the way through to the mid-19th-century had key wind movements. These movements required a key to wind the watch and set the time. Typically it was done by opening the case back and putting the key in a special setting connected to the winding mechanism or to the minute wheel to set the time. Some watches of this period had the setting-arbor at the front of the watch. These type of watches required the removal of the crystal and bezel to adjust the time.
World War I had changed the watch world as it was discovered that it is more convenient and effective to use and wear the watches on a wrist.
This week we have also offered a beautiful wristwatch, which was built on a base of the original key wind & key set movement made by Jules Huguenin in the 1880s in Le Locle, Switzerland. There were 3 Jules Huguenin companies known in Le Locle in the 19th century. Unfortunately, there is no detailed information about these watchmakers. But it brings a little mystery to this watch.
The mechanism, which we used to create the wristwatch, was found in one of the online marketplaces without an original case. A lot of movements got scrapped for their precious metal (gold or silver) cases. But it had an original enamel dial in nearly perfect condition. The movement was completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and calibrated. We have created a new gold-plated engraved case. After all the parts were put together, we repaired the movement, fully serviced, and tested it.
