Antique 1930s Memento Mori Skeleton Gold Plated Hunter Pocket Watch 51.5mm

Offered for your consideration is an exceptional and highly unusual antique full hunter pocket watch dating to the Art Deco era (circa 1930s). While the 1930s saw a shift toward streamlined design, this timepiece embraces the ancient and esoteric Memento Mori (“Remember that you must die”) philosophy. The dial boasts a striking, macabre motif of twin skeletons, serving as a powerful philosophical instrument regarding the fleeting nature of time. The high-quality case was produced by the prestigious German firm Kollmar & Jourdan of Pforzheim, known for their exceptional gold-plated watch cases during this period.

Detailed Specifications & Condition Report

The Dial & Hands

• Artistic Motif: The dial is an incredible work of esoteric art. The center is dominated by a stark black graphic depicting two full skeletons standing face-to-face. They are holding an oval, segmented wreath surmounted by a skull, with a flowing ribbon banner above reading “MEMENTO MORI”.

• Timekeeping Track: The hours are designated by elegant, applied gold-tone Arabic numerals. Nestled just inside the main hours is a secondary 24-hour military-style track (13-24) printed in blue.

• Hands & Registers: The time is indicated by a set of ornate gold-tone hands, perfectly complemented by a subsidiary running seconds dial positioned at the 6 o’clock mark.

• Condition: The dial remains in beautiful, highly legible condition, preserving the intricate macabre artwork perfectly.

The Full Hunter Case

• Dimensions & Materials: The substantial full hunter case measures a prominent 51.5mm in diameter. It is constructed from a heavy gold plate over a base metal core.

• Case Exterior: Both the front and rear covers are beautifully decorated with a classic Art Deco vertical engine-turned pinstripe pattern. The front cover features an unengraved oval cartouche, ready for a personal monogram.

• Inner Case Marks: The polished interior of the main case back bears the unmistakable “KJ” pierced by an arrow hallmark, identifying it as the work of Kollmar & Jourdan. It is also stamped with the production guarantee “GARANTIE 10 JAHRE” and the serial number “318”.

The Movement

• Mechanics: Protecting the heart of this watch is a smooth, polished inner dust cover. Beneath it lies a pristine, high-grade mechanical manual-wind movement featuring a classic Swiss lever escapement. The gilt brass bridge plates are beautifully finished and signed with the maker’s initials “M.M” within an oval.

• Operating Condition: This exceptional philosophical timepiece remains in perfect working order. The manual-wind movement runs strongly, sets smoothly via the crown, and maintains accurate time.

Terms of Sale This antique presentation timepiece is a functioning piece of history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $1500