Newsletter - July 2026
An Unusual Watch and an Unknown Story
Every now and then an item arrives in the workshop that raises more questions than it answers. At first glance, this pocket watch appeared to be an attractive but fairly ordinary late Victorian timepiece. However it was anything but ordinary.
Unlike a standard pocket watch, this piece has two faces. The front displays the time in the traditional manner, complete with subsidiary seconds dial. Turn it over, and an entirely different purpose is revealed. Surrounding the visible movement is a chronograph stopwatch display, operated by pressing the crown to start, stop and reset the mechanism.
Double-sided pocket watches are considerably less common than standard pocket watches and were produced in relatively small numbers by specialist Swiss makers around the turn of the twentieth century. They combine everyday timekeeping with a precision timing function, making them both practical instruments and impressive demonstrations of the watchmakers skill.
What really caught our attention, was an engraving on the front bezel: "A.J.A. White". Whenever we find an engraved watch, we cannot resist trying to uncover the story behind the name.
The previous owner told us that the watch had been carried during the Boer War. Naturally, this prompted a little research. We discovered records relating to two men named A.J.A. White who served during the conflict. One served with the Australian Commonwealth Horse, whilst another served with the Cape Police in South Africa.
Unfortunately, as tempting as it is to connect the watch directly to one of these men, there is simply not enough evidence to do so. Who was A.J.A. White? Why did he own such an unusual chronograph? Did it accompany him on military service, or was it simply a treasured personal possession?
We may never know the answers, yet perhaps that is part of the appeal.
What we do know is that it remains a remarkable survivor. The watch is still running, the chronograph still starts, stops and resets correctly, and both faces continue to display the ingenuity of the watchmakers who created it over one hundred years ago.
What's New This Month...
Ciro Silver & Marcasite Cocktail Watch
A vintage ladies cocktail watch by Ciro of Bond Street, London & New York, featuring a sterling silver and marcasite bracelet-style case with an elegant Art Deco inspired design. The case is hallmarked as an import, 1959. Fitted with a Dugena 17 jewel movement and is presented in its original box. The bracelet and decorative case give the piece a refined vintage appearance, complemented by a blue cabochon-style crown. A very attractive vintage ladies watch with excellent period styling.
Longines Pocket Watch c.1933
A charming and increasingly collectable Longines silver cased pocket watch dating from 1933, powered by the desirable Calibre 17.89ABC movement and retaining its original dial and hands. Full of character. this beautiful timepiece is offered in good working order and unrestored condition.
Founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1832, Longines is one of the world's oldest and most respected watch manufacturers.
Investiture of Edward, Prince of Wales 1911 - Silver Medal
An original Royal Mint silver commemorative medal issued for the Investiture of Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) at Caernarfon Castle on 13th July 1911. Designed by the renowned sculptor and medallist Sir William Goscombe John. The medal is presented in its original Royal Mint fitted case with royal cypher to the lid.
We specialise in antiques, silver, jewellery and watches, with a particular passion for vintage and historic pieces. We enjoy discovering, restoring and preserving items with character and history.
We’re always happy to chat about antiques or watches, and to offer honest, straightforward advice.