Arno Frieser Dresden Antique Silver Pocket Watch c.1900 15 Jewels Serviced

Arno Frieser Dresden – Antique Silver Pocket Watch c.1900 – 15 Jewels – Serviced
A Little History
This beautiful pocket watch dates from around 1900 and bears the signature of Arno Frieser, a master watchmaker whose business was located at Marienstraße 13 in Dresden, Germany. Historical records document his activity as a watchmaker as early as 1888 and his business between 1896 and 1932. Inside is a finely crafted Swiss Voirol Frères 19''' Lépine movement with 15 jewels, a traditional lever escapement and a frequency of 18,000 beats per hour. The movement bears the distinctive number 835, associated with a design registered in Switzerland in 1894 and illustrated in watchmaking literature from 1899. The watch is housed in a genuine 800 silver case bearing period hallmarks, bringing together Swiss precision and the traditions of a German master watchmaker.
The Watch
More than 120 years have passed since this elegant pocket watch first began measuring time. Its beautiful white enamel dial, delicate Roman numerals, ornate hands and tiny gold-coloured decorations, possibly made of genuine gold, still retain much of their original charm.
The glass crystal, believed to be original, is in beautiful condition. The silver case has been cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, preserving its attractive period engraving and natural character. The case hinges close perfectly, without the slightest play.
The mechanical movement has been cleaned, lubricated and regulated. It winds smoothly and quietly, and the hand-setting mechanism works perfectly. The accompanying pocket watch chain has also been thoroughly cleaned.
The enamel dial has a few fine hairline cracks, which have been left untouched to preserve its originality.
There is something special about holding a watch that has survived more than a century. We can only imagine the people who once carried it, the journeys it accompanied and the countless moments it quietly measured.
The world around it has changed beyond recognition. Yet this little piece of history continues to tick, just as it did all those years ago.
The photographs also include a historical image of Arno Frieser's watchmaking shop in Dresden, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world from which this watch came.
Technical Details
• Date: Circa 1900
• Watchmaker: Arno Frieser, Dresden, Germany
• Movement: Swiss Voirol Frères 19''' Lépine
• Jewels: 15
• Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour
• Escapement: Lever
• Winding: Manual, crown-operated
• Hand setting: Crown with separate setting pusher
• Case: Genuine 800 silver, hallmarked
• Diameter: 51.22 mm (excluding crown)
• Dial: White enamel with fine hairline cracks
• Crystal: Glass, believed to be original
• Decoration: Gold-coloured hour markers, possibly genuine gold
• Case back: Original decorative engraving
• Hinges: Close perfectly, without play
• Movement condition: Cleaned, lubricated and regulated
• Operation: Smooth winding and fully functional hand setting
• Chain: Included, cleaned, not silver
Photographs simply cannot capture the true elegance, presence and character of this remarkable pocket watch. Seen in person, it is genuinely impressive, with a beauty and dignity that are difficult to put into words.
A little piece of watchmaking history, carefully preserved and still measuring time after more than a century.
Collection or registered insured postage available e10 within Ireland.