Here we have a 1900s Hy Moser & Cie pocket watch chronograph, which is a historic WW1 period conversion. It has the large 50mm case which has the central fixing for the wire lugs. It has the snap-on bezel with the double hinged case back. The dial is the white enamel with the 1/5th second graduations and Breguet style numerals. It has the 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock with the sub-seconds at 6 o’clock. It has the plume style hour and minute hands with the thin tapered central second timing hand. The crown is set to the top with the chronograph pusher set within it. The case back has the polished finish with the Moser stamping inside and serial number. The inner case back is stamped with further Hy Moser signing and the serial number in an italic font. It has the 16 jewel manually wound chronograph movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time, with the chronograph functioning well.

Historic pocket watch conversions
During the First World War, large numbers of new recruits were conscripted to the war effort. When the supply of new watches could not keep up with the sudden increase in demand, pocket watches and fob watches were converted into wristwatches.

Russia was a market which being particularly far removed geographically, lagged behind in terms of the wristwatch, relying on imports from Switzerland.

One brand that was particularly popular in the Russian market was Hy Moser & Cie.

Moser, was born in Schaffhausen, to the family of a watch maker. He and his father moved to Le Locle, where he perfected his watchmaking skill. He then moved to Russia in the 1820s, and by 1826 had set up a watch workshop, anglicising his name to Henry Moser. Stemming from his trade office in St. Petersburg, he set up another in Moscow in 1831. He also gained a residence permit for Nizhny Novgorod. At this fair, Moser’s watches broke through Russias walls, to India and China. During this time, parts were manufactured and ordered from Le Locle factory and assembled in St. Petersburg.

The business in Russia continued to boom as they were given the patronage of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, and in 1913 Moser became the official supplier of the imperial Court. However, the love affair with the Russian market was not to last. The company was expropriated in 1918 due to the October Revolution.

The watch
The dial is well sized and is the bright white enamel, with the detailed 1/5th of a second graduations around the exterior. In from this are the single second dash graduations with the Arabic numerals on the five second graduations. The hour markers are of the classic Breguet style and is well sized. At 12 o’clock is the inset 30-minute counter with the railroad track. Below this is the ‘Hy Moser & Cie’ signing and a t 6 o’clock is the well sized inset sub-second register, also with the railroad track. The hour and minute hand are thermally blued and of Plume style, these appear to be a replacement. The central second hand and 30-minute counter hand both seem to be original.

The case is impactful with its 50.8mm x 50.8mm diameter. The total length from strap wire to strap wire is 78mm. This is not a small conversion, so it certainly has a presence!

The case is formed of white metal and has the snap-on bezel, with the double hinged case back. To the top and bottom are the central attachments for the strap wires. The top attachment has the crown to the top with the chronograph pusher set within this. The top strap wire is also bigger, allowing for ease of operation of the pusher and winding of the crown. It is a very well done conversion and considering the age and wear, is a historic conversion. The case back has the polished finish and was originally hinged. The hinge has snapped, but the back secures tightly still. When opened, the inside of the case back has the ‘Hy Moser & Cie’ signing with the serial number ‘139458’. The inner case back has the Hy Moser name and logo, along with the serial number in the beautifully stylised Italic font.

The movement is a 16 jewel manual wind chronograph which has the eye-catching Geneve stripes to the bridges. It has been recently serviced and is keeping very accurate time, with the chronograph functioning well.

The watch is presented on a modern, chunky leather strap which is screwed in place. It is a sturdy strap which suits the presence of the case.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is enamel and is original. It is in very good condition for the age with no chips, cracks or hairline fractures. The signing is well defined and clear.

Hands:
The hands are thermally blued. The hour and minute hand are of Plume style and appear to be later replacements. The 30-minute counter hand and the central second hand both appear older with the oxidised thermally blued tone.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a modern replacement which is in very good condition with no marking.

Crown:
The crown is the original onion design and is in good condition, functioning well. The chronograph pusher also functions well.

Case:
The bezel snaps in place securely. It has the polished finish with some wear to the plating around the edge where it meets the lip for the crystal. The centre of the case has the good, polished finish.

The case back also has the polished finish. It has a change of tone to the rear where it has likely sat on a single piece leather strap. The outer case back hinge is broken, but it still seals tightly.

Strap:
The watch is presented on a modern, chunky leather strap which is screwed in place, which will fit any wrist size.

Movement:
The movement is a 16-jewel manual wind chronograph which has the eye-catching Geneve stripes to the bridges.

It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 15 seconds variation per day, with an amplitude of 260 degrees. The chronograph functions reliably.

Case dimensions
Case width: 50.8mm
Case length: 50.8mm
Case length with crown: 60mm
Case length lug to lug: 78mm
Case depth: 15.5mm
Lug width: 24mm