Antique 18K Gold Juvenia Pocket Watch Made for Cuba, circa 1900

Antique 18K Gold Juvenia Pocket Watch Made for Cuba. C. 1900

Elegant and timeless, this Juvenia pocket watch made around 1900 is a fine example of classic early 20th-century Swiss watchmaking. With its refined design, solid 18K gold construction, and excellent condition, it is a remarkable piece both for collectors and for those who appreciate historical craftsmanship.

The case is a traditional savonette type with double hinged lids. The back is richly engraved with a stylized floral motif surrounding a blank central cartouche, framed by vertical fluting and floral details around the edge. The case band is finely decorated with hand-engraved patterns, highlighting its artisanal origin.

The dial is signed by Juvenia and features the original slanted Arabic numerals. The hands are of the elegant Lune Breguet style, blued by heat, and there is a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The overall composition is balanced and characteristic of the visual language of Belle Époque Swiss watchmaking.

The inside lid bears the engraved name of the Cuban retailer, indicating its original destination market. However, the most important feature is its performance: the watch runs perfectly and keeps accurate time, a rare attribute in antique timepieces and a clear testament to its quality.

This is a noble, refined and well-preserved timepiece, ideal for collectors of traditional Swiss pocket watches. It also makes a truly special gift — a functional, elegant, and meaningful piece of history.

Measurements: 4.5 cm (1.77 in). Weight: 46.6 g.

History of Juvenia

Juvenia was founded in 1860 by Jacques Didisheim-Goldschmidt in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The brand quickly earned a reputation for innovative design and high-precision mechanisms. In 1880, Juvenia moved to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the epicenter of Swiss watchmaking.

Throughout the early 20th century, Juvenia became a well-known brand in Latin America and Asia. Its timepieces were sold through select luxury retailers and were valued for their elegance and dependability. Juvenia was also recognized for daring aesthetic innovations, producing unusually shaped watches and introducing refined design elements that set it apart.

Today, vintage Juvenia watches are prized by collectors for their technical and artistic qualities. A gold pocket watch in good working condition, such as this one, represents a solid investment in horological heritage and a tangible connection to the golden age of Swiss watchmaking.