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Collectiing watches is, unfortunately, another extravagant indulgence of mine. I collect internationally well known brand of watches which I purchased directly from authorised dealers. They don't have problems as they are brand new.

When I was in Paris (not France) but in Kentucky in USA, I happened to walk into a junk shop. I found a gold pocketwatch which I purchased immediately. What attracted me was it bears the name of "Stuyvesant". From the little knowledge I know about American history I know Peter Stuyvesant (1612-1672) served as the last Dutch Director-General of the colony of New Netherlands from 1647 until it was provisionally ceded to the British in 1664. New Netherlands was later renamed New York. He was an important figure in the early history of New York City.

Would appreciate comments regarding this timepiece. Thanks.

Judy Tan

Hi! Judy,

Eventhough this is an asian art forum, I don't think that the members will complain about this discussion as Oriental collectors occsasionally run into pocket watches like that. Some of the pocket watches were even made in China during Qing Dynasty.

At certain time, there were Asian antiques that were rounded up in the U.S. and sent back for sale in Hong Kong and China. The market demand has been greater there, thus certain Orental items can command higher prices in Hong Kong and China. There had been some good Oriental items that could be found occasionally from garage sale, and in some antique shops in the U.S.

I used to collect pocket watch too. The above pocket watch looks like an early 1900's watch and it may be gold-filled. You 'll have to open the cover up and see who actually manufactured that. If you can give me the serial number, I probably can give you the estimated production time of the watch. I think "Stuyvesant" is only a model name, named after a famous place such as Manhattan, etc.

Judy,

I am a watch collector also. Stuyvesant doesn't bring anything immediately to mind. If you can open the back (it should screw off from the look of it) and get a good picture of the movement, I'll try to help. I'll look tonight to see if I can find Stuyvesant in my literature.

It looks early 1900s. The hands are mismatched.

Cheers,
Stan

Judy,

"Stuyvesant" was a brand of the KNICKERBOCKER Watch Co. of Bienne and New York. The company was listed in Bienne 1918-1923 and 1924 by the KEYSTONE JEWELERS Index as a US importer of watches and movements with some other trade names including "Stuyvesant".

It looks like you have a WWI era Swiss watch.

Cheers,
Stan

Judy,

It is pretty, but are many caveats buying such watches. Case and works may not start life together.

Most important identifying material is back of works inside case: type escapement, etc.

This one not have anything to do with 17th century. Possibly made first half 19th century. If face original, possibly a little earlier.

Nothing to do with Asian art. If want detailed comments must consult watch expert, possibly through reputable auction house.

Good luck,
Cal

Try the Timezone dot com forum, under the tab Watch Talk and click on Public Forum. That one is the best place for you. They should be able to give you some insight. good luck!

oh - and make sure to post a picture of the movement. It will give a good indication of the age of this watch.

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