Extremely Rare 1896 Athens Olympic Games Commemorative Silver Pocket Watch

An extraordinary and exceptionally rare piece of international sporting history. This antique silver pocket watch was specially commissioned to commemorate the very first modern Olympic Games—the Games of the I Olympiad—held in Athens, Greece, in the spring of 1896. Memorabilia from the 1896 Olympics is highly coveted by international museums and advanced collectors, as the event featured only 14 participating nations and a limited number of athletes.

Historically understood to have been awarded to participating athletes and prominent officials of the inaugural modern games, this timepiece captures the classical revival spirit championed by Pierre de Coubertin. The dial and case art beautifully reflect the 19th-century reverence for ancient Greek heritage, making it a masterpiece of both horology and Olympic history.

Detailed Description

The Dial :The pristine white enamel dial is a magnificent work of art, featuring a detailed, polychrome historical scene. It displays a classical Greek female figure in traditional drapery standing beside an ivy-wrapped Corinthian column, with a view of the Athenian Acropolis in the background. The dial is proudly inscribed in Greek and English: “ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΙ ΑΓΩΝΕΣ” (Olympic Games) and “ATHENS 1896”. It features crisp black Roman numeral hour markers and is fitted with original, delicately blued steel hands.

The Case: Crafted in a classic 44mm antique silver configuration, the case is a testament to traditional 19th-century craftsmanship. The outer back cover features a stunning, crisp engraving of a helmeted Athena in profile, set against a beautifully preserved engine-turned (guilloché) background.

Opening the back reveals a dust cover (cuvette) elegantly engraved with the retailer or maker’s signature, “Lavergne à Libourne” (indicating French market distribution or assembly, common for high-end Swiss/French commemorative pieces of the era), along with the dual apertures for key-winding and hand-setting.

The Movement :The watch houses a beautifully preserved, classical key-wind and key-set cylinder escapement movement. The balance bridge is inscribed with the traditional French “Avance / Retard” regulation scale. The movement has been meticulously preserved and remains in perfect working order, ticking strongly and keeping excellent time.

Specifications

• Era: 1896 (Late 19th Century)

• Historical Event: Games of the I Olympiad (Athens, 1896)

• Case Material: Antique Silver

• Case Diameter: 44mm (excluding bow and pendant)

• Movement Type: Mechanical, Key-Wind / Key-Set (Cylinder Escapement)

• Dial: Enamel, polychrome painted scene with Roman numerals

• Accessories Included: Antique silver-tone pocket watch chain and authentic brass winding key

Condition Report

• Mechanical: Perfect working condition. The movement winds smoothly with the included key, sets precisely, and runs strongly.

• Dial: Exceptional antique condition. The enamel is remarkably clean, and the intricate painted details and text remain vibrant and fully intact with no major hairline fractures.

• Case: Excellent age-appropriate condition. The silver casing displays a beautiful, warm patina. The engraved portrait of Athena on the reverse is crisp, and the hinges are secure and operate exactly as intended. The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3500

Terms & Shipping

This is a highly significant investment-grade historical artifact. It will be packaged with the utmost professional care, utilizing highly secure, tracked, and fully insured expedited international shipping to ensure its safe arrival. Please review all high-resolution macro photography to fully appreciate the exceptional condition and historical magnitude of this timepiece. Feel free to contact us with any questions prior to purchase.