Swiss silver enamelled Freemason pocket watch Circa 1930

A Solvil pocket watch with cylinder escapement
–
A rare enamelled Freemason pocket pendant watch, made under the Solvil brand name by Paul Ditisheim in Sonvlier, Switzerland 1930. The case of this watch was crafted from silver and features blue enamelled letters G, J and B on the front face and a central depiction of Solomon’s Temple surrounded by Freemason symbols on the hinged back. The original enamel dial features an outer track with Arabic 5 minute numerals, freemason hour icons, gold hands and is inscribed: “Aime ton semblable, tends lui une main secourable” (Love your fellow man, extend a helping hand to him). The movement is fitted with a cylinder escapement.
–
Dimensions: 68 x 54 mm
–
Weight: 58 g
–
Signed: No name
–
Ditisheim
In 1892, Paul Ditisheim founded his own watchmaking company in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The brand name “Solvil” was inspired by the village of Sonvilier, where Ditisheim opened a new factory in 1920. He registered the Solvil and Titus trademarks in 1918 as part of a strategy to produce more affordable watches during the economic difficulties following World War I. In the 1920’s and early 1930’s, Ditisheim sold his interest in the company to Swiss entrepreneur Paul Bernard Vogel.
Under Vogel, the company moved to Geneva and expanded globally. Today, the brand is owned by the Hong Kong-based Stelux Holdings International Limited.
–
The triangular case of the item presented here is the most iconic design for a Masonic watch and the letters (G, J, B) are part of a larger symbolic “map” on the dial. In this specific triangular layout, the letters usually represent:

• A “G” positioned at the 12 o’clock mark (the apex of the triangle). It represents the Grand Architect of the Universe (God) or Geometry.

• A “J & B” positioned at the lower corners of the triangle. These represent Jachin and Boaz, the two pillars of Solomon’s Temple, symbolising Establishment and Strength