Beautiful Antique Victorian J.B. Yabsley London 0.935 Silver Key-Wind Pocket Watch — Fully Running!
Product Description
An exceptional piece of late Victorian horological history in full working condition. This beautiful open-face pocket watch was retailed by the prominent London watchmaker James Bernard Yabsley, operating from his famous shop at 72 Ludgate Hill, London.
This watch features a traditional key-wind and key-set mechanism, representing the classic era of 19th-century timekeeping. The watch features a solid silver case struck with the scarce Swiss high-purity "0.935" silver standard. The interior case back proudly displays the official Swiss "Three Bears" export hallmarks, indicating this piece was meticulously crafted in Switzerland specifically for the luxury English market between 1887 and 1907.
The face features a crisp, immaculate white vitreous enamel dial with bold Roman numerals, a railroad minute track, and elegant gold-tone spade hands. The silver case is beautifully detailed with ornate engraved foliage patterns on the reverse side and an engraved edge bezel.
Item Specifications
- Retailer/Markings: J.B. Yabsley, 72 Ludgate Hill, London (Stamped on dial and case)
- Winding Mechanism: Key-Wind / Key-Set (Winds and adjusts using a traditional pocket watch key)
- Escapement Design: Antique Swiss Cylinder Escapement
- Metal Composition: High-Purity 0.935 Solid Silver (Higher grade than standard 925 sterling)
- Case Hallmarks: Official Swiss "Three Bears" assay marks (Dates case precisely between 1887-1907)
- Case Back: Beautifully detailed with original antique engraved patterns
- Watch Diameter: Approx. 39 mm (Excluding top loop/crown)
- Case Thickness: Approx. 13.8 mm
- Dial: Original white porcelain enamel with Roman numerals (No visible hairline cracks)
- Country of Origin: Switzerland (Movement & Case) / Assembled for London Retail
- Era: Late Victorian (Circa 1890s)
Condition Report
- Mechanical Status: Fully running condition. It winds up smoothly, ticks strongly, but probably would be good to service it, because I don`t have service any service records. A matching winding key is included.
- Dial & Crystal: Excellent condition. The original porcelain dial remains incredibly bright, crisp, and completely free of hairline cracks. The glass crystal is clear with only very light, minor superficial pocket wear.
- Silver Case: The 0.935 silver case is structurally robust. The rear covers open smoothly and snap closed firmly. The engraved details on the reverse are beautifully preserved and the metal holds an elegant, authentic soft aged patina.
- Please closely study the high-resolution macro photos to view the gorgeous engraved details, clear dial face, and genuine Three Bears hallmarks.