Antique French Silver Pocket Watch – Société Anonyme d’Horlogerie de Besançon – Working, Key-Wound

Description:
A fine antique French silver-cased pocket watch, key-wound and in excellent working order. The case bears the French crab silver hallmark, denoting 800-grade silver, and is beautifully engraved with floral and foliate decoration to the reverse. The movement carries the distinctive trademark of Société Anonyme d’Horlogerie de Besançon (La Bisontine), featuring the seated dog emblem on a plinth marked “Besançon”. The dial is white enamel with Roman numerals, ornate gilt hands, and raised gilt markers.

Key Details:

• Country of Origin: France

• Maker: Société Anonyme d’Horlogerie de Besançon (La Bisontine)

• Noël au Puy (inscribed to movement cover)

• Material: Solid silver (French 800-grade “crab” hallmark)

• Movement: Key-wound verge/lever movement (key included)

• Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals and gilt embellishments

• Case: Ornately engraved back and engine-turned interior

• Winding key included

• Working condition

• Case diameter: 45.4mm

Condition:

• Excellent overall condition for age, with minimal wear and light surface marks to case.

• Enamel dial in very good order with only minor age-related marks visible under magnification.

• Winds, sets, and runs well; accuracy not tested.

• Service recommended for continued use.

Summary:
A charming and well-preserved 19th-century French silver pocket watch from Société Anonyme d’Horlogerie de Besançon, with its hallmark “Besançon” dog trademark clearly visible. The inclusion of the key and the beautifully engraved silver case make this a highly attractive collector’s piece.

Postage & Shipping:
As usual, this item will be packaged carefully and dispatched with tracking. International shipping is available through the eBay Global Shipping Programme (GSP).