Cylinder Desteire Appraisal

Vintage Pendant Watch (Cylinder Desteire)

This is a vintage ladies' or small pocket watch, designed to be worn as a pendant. The watch features a classic round case, likely made of gold-toned or brass metal, exhibiting some tarnishing and patina consistent with age. The case appears to have intricate etched or embossed detailing along its bezel, suggesting a decorative 'hunter' style or similar ornamentation, though the back of the case is not visible to confirm. The watch face is white, displaying clear black Arabic numerals for hours 1 through 12. The numbers are evenly spaced and legible, with faint dots or minute markers visible around the perimeter. The watch hands are delicate, possibly made of gold or gilded metal, featuring an ornate, filigree-like design, particularly on the hour hand, which is characteristic of vintage timepieces. The crystal covering the face appears intact but shows some minor dust or smudging. At the top of the watch case, there is a fluted or onion-shaped crown for winding and setting the time, and directly above it, a circular bail or loop for attaching a chain or necklace, enabling its use as a pendant. No specific maker's marks or signatures are visible on the dial, but the overall aesthetic, including the ornate hands and case detailing, points to a late 19th to early 20th-century style. The term 'Cylinder desteire' in the context suggests it might house a cylinder escapement movement, which was common in this era for smaller, more affordable watches. The visible condition includes general wear, minor surface scratches on the case, and perhaps slight discoloration on the dial, all indicative of age and typical use.