Description

Zenith retailed by Irvine Hindle, Halifax circa 1950 | steel manual pocket watch

In 1907 Irvine Hindle (1882-1940) opened his jewellery and watch business at Southgate, within the Halifax Borough Market block. The business continued for 88 years, finally closing in 1995. The practice of retailers signing the dials of watches alongside that of the maker was a common one during the first half of the 20th century; for many, the name of the trusted local jeweller might be more important than that of the watchmaker.

The silvered dial of this Zenith watch has gold foil Arabic numerals, a popular style during the mid twentieth-century. A large subsidiary seconds dial, clear outer minute track and simple baton hands create a highly utilitarian design. Interestingly the base of the dial is signed ‘Made in France’ rather than ‘Swiss Made’. In addition to their Swiss operations, Zenith also had a factory at Besançon in France which produced wristwatches and pocket watches from the 1920s until the mid 1970s. This is a great looking vintage pocket watch with an excellent dial, there are some scratches to the case and there is wear to the finish of the pendant’s chrome plated bow.

Specifications

[M] Zenith gilded calibre 18.28.1.p.e, lever escapement, 15 jewels, compensation balance, 18,000 BPH
[D] silvered dial, gilded foil Arabic numerals, black outer minute track, engine-turned subsidiary seconds, gilded baton hands
[C] plain rounded case, steel back, nickel-chrome bow
[S] case, dial and movement signed

Measurements

45mm diameter
57mm height including pendant and bow
11.5mm depth to centre of crystal

Accompaniments

One year guarantee – this watch has been serviced
Black Bough leather pocket watch pouch

£550.00 [Sold]