Montre à gousset à clé - 1850-1900

Key-wound pocket watches from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries represent an important era in horology, marking a period before the widespread adoption of crown winding mechanisms. These timepieces, dating roughly from 1850 to 1900, required a separate key to wind the mainspring and to set the time, reflecting the craftsmanship and mechanical ingenuity of the time. They were prized for their precision and ornate designs, often housed in precious metal cases with intricate engravings. Pocket watches served as essential personal timekeepers before wristwatches became common and are now highly sought after by collectors for their historic value and the mechanical artistry they embody.