This striking vintage Swiss pocket watch was produced by the Arnex Time Co. and features the distinctive hunter-case construction that has defined a particular style of pocket watch for generations. Rather than leaving the dial exposed, the spring-hinged front cover closes over the watch, protecting the dial while adding considerably to its decorative character.
Measuring 46.4mm in diameter, the watch has a classic men's pocket-watch presence while remaining slightly more compact than many traditional American pocket watches. The ornate golden exterior is covered in elaborate relief scrollwork, giving the watch the appearance of a much older heirloom despite its mid-to-late 20th-century origins.
Opening the rear of the case reveals an especially decorative cuvette, or inner dust cover, engraved “ANCRE DE PRECISION / 17 RUBIS.” The cover is embellished with stamped medal and award motifs, a traditional European decorative style designed to evoke the appearance of precision watches and award-winning movements. Behind it sits the Swiss mechanical movement, signed ARNEX TIME CO INC / SWISS and marked 17 JEWELS / UNADJUSTED.
The dial is the real showpiece. A gold-toned filigree centre is surrounded by an elaborate outer chapter ring featuring deep blue cartouches and contrasting golden Roman numerals. Ornate Louis XIV-style hands complete the design, while a dedicated seconds track sits at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed Van Woods, a private-label name used on watches marketed through Arnex.
The case itself is marked ARNEX TIME CO / SWISS / BASE METAL, confirming that the elaborate golden exterior is electroplated base metal rather than solid gold or gold-filled construction. This makes the watch an interesting example of the decorative Swiss pocket watches produced for the broader international market during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Arnex is particularly associated with these visually elaborate Swiss watches, often combining traditional European pocket-watch styling with relatively modern production. This example embraces that aesthetic completely, from its protective hunter case and ornate cuvette to its richly decorated dial and dramatic blue-and-gold colour scheme.
For the collector, this is less about rarity or precious-metal construction and more about pure visual character. It is an eye-catching Swiss mechanical pocket watch that takes the traditional hunter-case format and turns it into something decidedly ornate and theatrical.
This striking vintage Swiss pocket watch was produced by the Arnex Time Co. and features the distinctive hunter-case construction that has defined a particular style of pocket watch for generations. Rather than leaving the dial exposed, the spring-hinged front cover closes over the watch, protecting the dial while adding considerably to its decorative character.
Measuring 46.4mm in diameter, the watch has a classic men's pocket-watch presence while remaining slightly more compact than many traditional American pocket watches. The ornate golden exterior is covered in elaborate relief scrollwork, giving the watch the appearance of a much older heirloom despite its mid-to-late 20th-century origins.
Opening the rear of the case reveals an especially decorative cuvette, or inner dust cover, engraved “ANCRE DE PRECISION / 17 RUBIS.” The cover is embellished with stamped medal and award motifs, a traditional European decorative style designed to evoke the appearance of precision watches and award-winning movements. Behind it sits the Swiss mechanical movement, signed ARNEX TIME CO INC / SWISS and marked 17 JEWELS / UNADJUSTED.
The dial is the real showpiece. A gold-toned filigree centre is surrounded by an elaborate outer chapter ring featuring deep blue cartouches and contrasting golden Roman numerals. Ornate Louis XIV-style hands complete the design, while a dedicated seconds track sits at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed Van Woods, a private-label name used on watches marketed through Arnex.
The case itself is marked ARNEX TIME CO / SWISS / BASE METAL, confirming that the elaborate golden exterior is electroplated base metal rather than solid gold or gold-filled construction. This makes the watch an interesting example of the decorative Swiss pocket watches produced for the broader international market during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Arnex is particularly associated with these visually elaborate Swiss watches, often combining traditional European pocket-watch styling with relatively modern production. This example embraces that aesthetic completely, from its protective hunter case and ornate cuvette to its richly decorated dial and dramatic blue-and-gold colour scheme.
For the collector, this is less about rarity or precious-metal construction and more about pure visual character. It is an eye-catching Swiss mechanical pocket watch that takes the traditional hunter-case format and turns it into something decidedly ornate and theatrical.