Fine Swiss silver niëllo hunting cased lever watch Circa 1900

Niëllo silver presentation watch
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A fine Swiss niëllo silver hunting cased presentation watch, circa 1900. Bridge movement, lever escapement, screw compensation balance. White enamel dial with Roman hours, outer minute divisions and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock. The case with an Imperial Austrian coat of arms on both lids, gold inlay, maker’s mark Huguenin Frères/Fabrique Niel. Case numbered.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 95 g
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Signed: No name
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The case was made by Swiss casemaker Huguenin Frères, a company that dates back to 1868. By the end of the 19th century, they were specializing in the niëllo method, which gives silver watches an elegant black finish. This method gained the company worldwide fame and as a result of their new-found success, they switched from manual production to industrial production in 1899 by building the factory in Le Locle, which is still in use today.