Featured Antique ball watch - how to open it, how old it is, what's it worth?

I It was given to my grandmother by her grandmother in 1945 when she turned 17. She was told it might be faberge?
Have no idea where it first came from. My gran said it was given to her grandmother by either her mother - (my grans great grandmother) or her grandmother's great great grandmother - my grandmother's great grandmother x3 or x4? (which I find unlikely)
Seed pearl design with self winding action. Any clues? Thanks

 

"Watch?" Meant to be worn on a strap?

Debora

 

Hi, No Debora, it's more of a ball pendant to be worn on a chain as a necklace. It was a woman's pocket watch essentially.

 

Oh, I see the chain now. When hanging, the dial faces downward. Would/could you post a photograph of the entire chain including clasp?

Debora

 

I see the pearls. What is the banding? Enamel?

Debora

 

I think it is a blue colour enamel. I've asked my mum to take a photo of the chain and clasp as I do not have it in my possession.
What I notice is the seams don't seem to entirely match up so I'm convinced it's hand made.

 

It's going to open at a seam. At some point, opened and closed without taking care to line up deisgn. Have you tried to open by inserting a small blunt object in the metal semi-circles on either side of the seams? (You may have to lift the crown first.)

Debora

 

It doesn't need to be opened to sort the time though, so I can't imagine why it would need to open?

 

Weren't you asking above "how it open it?" If it's still running, you shouldn't have to but... if it ever needs repair.... if you wish to realign the design... if you have an interested in finding a mark...

Debora

 

I'm wondering if it twists open,,,,, as the pearls don't seem to. be lined up properly

 

Sean- 1st it is a very nice timepiece. With that said, do your homework! Where and when was self winding invented? Patented? That will give you a start date. The only info you will get from such an ornamental exterior piece of jewelry is on the inside. As Debra said “you asked” and she tried to help you answer your queries. 1st in my opinion you should not attempt to open it. It does screw on and thusly off. Having said that, it’s clearly misaligned and if cross-threaded and probably a higher and softer KT, the few turns necessary to open and close are important to getting to the movement where you will no longer have to guess where, when and who. Alas, all your questions answered. Plus one! the condition of the movement, it is possible that not being aligned properly it should be assessed for moisture damage by a professional. Good Luck! It is a stunning piece.

 

Apologies, I meant hand wound not self winding. Research is not telling me when these first originated. We are going to take to clock repair shop to see if they can open it. Will be sure to update you. Thanks all

 

You may have to take it to a jeweler rather than clock repair shop.

Good luck and please let us know what you find out

 

Yes, a jeweler is an excellent idea.

Debora

 

And a respected jeweler at that. Ideally someone who has dealt with older pieces.

From the photos this seems to have some really nice quality to it. It's beautiful.

 

This is so exciting!!!
We have managed to open it and have found it's a rolex watch!
This could well be a model made before the brand launched properly?
Its so incredibly intricate and beautiful!
Maybe even could be a museum piece?