Pocket Watches Appraisal

Two Antique Pocket Watches (Sylvan and Helbros)

This lot consists of two antique or vintage pocket watches. The watch on the left, identified by the name 'Sylvan' on its dial, features a gold-toned or cream-colored dial with a sunken sub-second dial at the 6 o'clock position. The hour markers appear to be applied metal numerals or indices, possibly indicating a more modern style compared to the other watch. It has thin, blackened hour and minute hands. The case is a plain, polished silver-tone metal, likely nickel or chrome-plated brass, showing some wear and minor surface scratches consistent with age and use. The winding crown is visible at the 12 o'clock position. The watch on the right, branded 'Helbros', presents a white enamel or painted dial with large, bold black Arabic numerals for the hours and a clear minute track around the perimeter. It also has a sunken sub-second dial at 6 o'clock with smaller Arabic numerals for seconds. The hour and minute hands are black, possibly spade or Breguet style, and the sub-second hand is thin and black. This watch's case is a silver-tone metal, appearing to be sterling silver or white gold-filled, and features elaborate engraved or chased decoration around the bezel and possibly on the sides/back, suggesting a more ornate, traditional pocket watch aesthetic. There are visible fractures or hairline cracks on the Helbros dial, particularly extending from the center and near the 12 and 1 o'clock markers, indicating damage to the dial's integrity. Both watches are approximately 45-50mm in diameter, typical for men's pocket watches of the early to mid-20th century. The Sylvan watch appears to be in better cosmetic condition regarding its dial, while the Helbros has a damaged dial but potentially a more decorative case. Both exhibit a tarnished or worn appearance reflective of their age. The precise materials cannot be definitively determined without closer inspection or hallmarks but are consistent with common watchmaking practices of their era.