Antique Swiss Hebdomas 8-Day Visible Escapement Pocket Watch (50mm) — Perfect

Rather than hiding the balance wheel behind a dust cover, Hebdomas’s genius lay in mounting the balance and escapement directly on the dial side under a decorative, floral-etched golden bridge. Combined with an off-center white enamel dial with hand-painted gold & blue details and ornate gilt hands, these watches achieved a visually striking, haute-horlogerie “open heart” aesthetic that remains fiercely sought-after by vintage collectors today.

Detailed Specifications Brand: Hebdomas (Schild & Co. / Graizely & Co., Switzerland)

Era: Antique, Late Edwardian / Art Nouveau (Circa 1910s–1920s)

Watch Diameter: 50 mm (excluding bail & crown)

Case Material: Fine Silvered Metal, embellished with star borders and a heavily embossed back relief depicting a natural holly leaf/berry motif.

Power Reserve: 8 Days (“8 Jours”) – achieved via a massive, full-diameter mainspring barrel covering the entire rear movement.

Dial: Split design. Upper 2/3 features a pristine white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals, gilded minute markers, and hand-painted floral motifs with dark blue point accents. Lower 1/3 features a hand-chased, gilded balance bridge. “8 JOURS” & “HEBDOMAS” prominently displayed.

Hands: Highly decorative Ornate/Scroll-style, rose-gold/gilded in appearance.

Escapement: Exposed balance & lever escapement, mounted dial-side (open heart).

Fob & Chain: Included heavy-linked watch chain featuring geometric etching, complete with a natural-patina 1880 Helvetic coin/fob attached.

Operational Condition: Perfect Working Order – watch wound smoothly, maintains its extensive power reserve, and is keeping accurate time.

In-Depth Visual Condition Analysis Image 17 / image_21.png (Overall Unit): Visual overview of the open-face watch alongside its textured links and coin fob. Visible is the beautiful age-appropriate patina and unmarred bezel scrollwork.

Image 18 / image_21.png (Fob Chain Detail): Heavyweight patterns of the silvered link fob, showcasing geometric triangular stamping. Also captures the “CONFOEDERATIO HELVETICA 1880” coin attachment with its original, tarnished texture.

Image 19 / image_21.png (Dial Close-Up): Crystal is clear, allowing a direct look at the enamel dial. Tiny natural age marks exist around the blue studs and the scroll bridge, but it retains stunning visual integrity. No hairline cracks in the enamel.

Image 20 / image_21.png (Back Relief): Magnificent, deeply embossed Art Nouveau holly-branch styling. Shows typical handling wear and natural darkening in the recessed patterns, amplifying its antique authenticity.

Image 21 / image_21.png (Barrel Face Under Back-Cover): The rear inspection shows the massive mainspring casing, featuring typical concentric machining and authentic watchmaker/inspection marks along the inner edge.

Image 22 / image_21.png (Escapement Detail): High-resolution detail of the signature visible escapement on its golden scroll-work bridge, showcasing the original tiny balance-wheel screws and regulator assembly in remarkably clean, rust-free condition.

Terms & Shipping Will be securely packed to ensure safety during transit. Insured and tracked domestic and international shipping is standard. Please explore the attached images for a true visual sense of this stunning pocket watch before placing your bids or purchase. Feel free to contact us with any questions!