Watches Horology Appraisal

Antique Watchmakers' Toolkit with Pocket Watches

This appears to be an antique watchmakers' toolkit or a presentation box for a pocket watch, accompanied by two key-wound pocket watches. The main wooden box is rectangular, featuring a hinged lid and a small brass clasp closure on the front. Its interior is lined with a dark blue or purple velvet-like material, possibly silk-lined, with fitted compartments. One circular compartment holds a pale, possibly velvet or padded, disc insert for resting a watch. Adjacent to this, there are several small watch tools or keys. These tools appear to be made of steel or nickel, with designs typical of winding keys and small adjustment implements. One notable piece is a flat, somewhat irregularly shaped tool with multiple holes, suggestive of a key or a specialized winding tool. The interior of the box lid is also lined with a cream-colored, padded material, which shows significant discoloration and wear, indicating age and use. Next to the box, and seemingly related, are two gold-toned pocket watches. One is a smaller, open-face watch with a discernible dial featuring Roman numerals or simple hour markers and two hands, suggesting a classic design. It has a small winding stem and crown at the 12 o'clock position. The second, larger pocket watch is partially open, revealing an intricate inner cover or dust cover with two small winding holes, indicating a key-wound mechanism. Its case appears to be made of polished gold-toned metal, possibly gold-filled or solid gold. The decorative outer case, currently open, shows a smooth or lightly engraved surface, but precise details are difficult to discern from the image. Both watches exhibit a vintage aesthetic, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The overall condition suggests significant age, with the case lining in the box showing considerable wear and staining. The metal components, particularly of the watches, seem to have retained some luster but may show minor scratches, tarnishing, or oxidation consistent with their age. The lack of specific maker's marks prevents detailed manufacturing identification, but the quality of the case and tools suggests professional use or a fine personal item.