Antique Silver Pocket Watch for the Chinese Market, Circa 1870

Antique Silver Pocket Watch for the Chinese Market, Circa 1870

This silver pocket watch, dated approximately 1870, is a unique piece designed for the Chinese market, offering an exceptional combination of technical precision and aesthetic beauty. In perfect working condition, this watch features a central seconds hand, a prized characteristic that adds dynamism and allows for precise timekeeping. The dial is decorated with Roman numerals, a classic style that stands out against the clean background, providing a sophisticated and harmonious appearance. Additionally, the dial features the Chinese characters “成有” (Chéng Yǒu), which can be translated as “To Succeed” (or "Success"), a name evoking prosperity and good fortune, especially appealing in the Chinese cultural context. These characters are surrounded by a delicate motif of flowers and leaves, adding an extra touch of elegance.

The silver case, with its smooth and understated design, contrasts beautifully with the movement, which is profusely decorated with hand-engraved floral and vegetal motifs. This kind of detailed and meticulous decoration is characteristic of export watches intended for elite clientele in the Chinese market, who valued both functionality and luxurious aesthetics. The decoration on the movement adds visual depth and turns each internal component into a small work of art, showcasing the high manufacturing quality and craftsmanship of the watchmakers of the time.

This pocket watch is not only a technical achievement; it is a miniature work of art and a testament to an era when watchmaking reached its highest expression of quality and style. Ideal for collectors of antique watches or as a decorative piece in a luxury setting, this pocket watch embodies the elegance of European designs adapted to the Chinese market, fusing symbolism, history, and sophistication into a unique collector’s item.

Dimensions: Diameter: 47 mm.

History of the Chinese Market Pocket Watch

Pocket watches made for the Chinese market began to be produced in the late 18th century, reaching their peak popularity during the 19th century when watchmakers in Switzerland and England adapted their products to suit the tastes of the Chinese elite. With adapted designs and often decorations that combined symbolism and European craftsmanship, these watches became very popular among the nobility and high-ranking merchants in China. The inscription “成有” (Chéng Yǒu), translated as “To Succeed” (or "Success"), is an excellent example of this cultural adaptation, evoking good fortune and success—concepts of great importance in Chinese culture.

During this period, watches exported to China included advanced details, such as the central seconds hand, and often featured Roman numerals, displaying an attractive contrast between Western styles and Chinese symbolism. Today, these watches are highly valued by collectors worldwide, who appreciate both their technical quality and cultural history.