Swiss pocket watch case serial numbers serial numbers#

There were also several patents by Helvetia published at this time as well as many precious metal cases with hallmarks. This year is the most probable year for your serial number given all the information available.įrom 1914 through to the late 1940s Helvetia's watch production was pretty stable at about 40,000 to 60,000 watches a year, towards the higher end during WWI and dropping in the 20s and 30s. The 'Date from Serial Number Lookup' below will supply you with a single year answer.

Swiss pocket watch case serial numbers serial numbers#

The General Watch Company, Helvetia's parent company, had other brand names in its stable and you may be able to also look up Orta, Ortona, Paradox, Post and Sackville wrist and pocket watches using this tool if their serial numbers fall within the range. Not all Helvetia watches have a serial number inscribed on them and early trench watches, chronographs and triple date watches often have a different format serial number that, unfortunately, I cannot use to date these watches.

Serial numbers are usually inscribed on the inside or outside of the case back often with a case number. Using information from hallmarks, inscriptions, movement types, patent applications and the style of watch I have developed a database to allow the reasonably accurate dating of Helvetia watches from these numbers. They continue to about 6,100,000 in 1973 when they changed their serial numbering system.

It looks as if the numbers are a continuation of, and are combined with, the General Watch Company's pocket watch serial numbers. Helvetia serial number marking on their watches appear to start at about 2,000.000 in about 1914.