Fob watch with unidentified Turkish inscription. London Horology Society say it's a regional language now lost in time. Has a case made from small beads.
Category
Watches and Timepieces
Medium
Silver?
Distinguishing marks
Turkish inscription on face
Condition
Fair
Size and dimensions of this item
50mm
Date Period
1880-1900?50
History
Inherited from my Greek stepfather who fought in the Turko-Greek war. He said it was taken from a Turkish sniper. Watch experts tell me that it's unusual in that it was likely made in Switzerland for the Turkish market but the London silver marks are dodgy.
Material: Possibly silver or silver-plated (engraved with floral motifs); silver content unverified due to questionable hallmark
Accompanied by: Elaborate multi-color beaded pouch and a decorated fob chain with enamel charms, tassel, and what appears to be a winding key
Historical Context:
Likely produced circa 1880–1900 during the final decades of the Ottoman Empire, a time when watches were increasingly imported from Switzerland and France and customized for Middle Eastern and Balkan markets.
The dial inscription, though unclear, is in a stylized form of Arabic script used in Ottoman Turkish — no longer in common use since the 1928 language reforms of modern Turkey.
Watch may have been made in Switzerland and retailed through an Ottoman distributor.
The presence of pseudo-hallmarks or “dodgy” London marks, as noted, was not uncommon among imported or custom pieces of that era, especially those sold in colonial or adjacent markets.
Provenance:
Inherited from user's Greek stepfather who served in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922).
Reportedly taken from a Turkish sniper, adding possible military artifact value.
Uncommon due to regionally specific script, unusual styling, and Ottoman military connection.
Condition:
Watch: Fair. Some tarnish and wear; mechanical condition unknown.
Dial: Floral enamel still vivid; crack or wear line visible.
Movement: Needs evaluation for functionality.
Chain & Accessories: Beautiful and intricate, possibly with added value from enameled amulets and key.
🏷 Estimated Value (as of 2025):
Condition
Approximate Value
As-is, not running
$250–400 USD
Professionally cleaned and functional
$500–750 USD
With documented provenance (military)
$750–1,200 USD
The value reflects:
Rarity of Ottoman script dials
Ethnographic significance (Greco-Turkish War link)
Decorative value of pouch and chain
Collectibility of regional timepieces among Turkish and Balkan history collectors
🔍 Recommendation:
A professional appraisal is advisable, especially for:
Verifying silver content of the case
Translating the dial inscription by an expert in Ottoman Turkish
Authenticating the enamel charms on the fob chain
If provenance can be documented further, the piece could command a higher price at specialized military, horological, or ethnographic auctions.
Antique Ottoman/Turkish Fob Watch with Beaded Case and Chain
Item Description:
Historical Context:
Provenance:
Condition:
🏷 Estimated Value (as of 2025):
Condition
Approximate Value
As-is, not running
$250–400 USD
Professionally cleaned and functional
$500–750 USD
With documented provenance (military)
$750–1,200 USD
The value reflects:
🔍 Recommendation:
A professional appraisal is advisable, especially for:
If provenance can be documented further, the piece could command a higher price at specialized military, horological, or ethnographic auctions.