Curiosities
Ottoman Silver Pocket Watch
Ottoman Empire, movement Swiss·Circa 1880–1900
$1,650
The story
The case is engraved in Ottoman tughra script — the calligraphic imperial seal — around a central floral medallion. The movement, when opened, turns out to be Swiss. This was common: the Ottoman court wanted European precision in an Ottoman aesthetic package, and the watchmakers of Neuchâtel were happy to oblige. It still runs. Time-keeping accuracy is not guaranteed, but it runs.
Istanbul bazaar purchase, 1985. American private collection since.
Details
- Materials
- Silver case with niello engraving, Swiss lever movement
- Condition
- Good — case with light wear; movement runs
- Origin
- Ottoman Empire, movement Swiss
- Era
- Circa 1880–1900
- Dimensions
- 5H × 5W cm
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