Swiss stainless steel apprentice lever watch Circa 1950

Pocket watch with silvered dial
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A rare apprentice watch with a stepped steel case, made at the Technicum d’Horlogerie in le Locle, Switzerland, circa 1950. The numbered case of this watch was crafted from stepped steel and its silvered dial features Arabic hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock  and steel hands. The numbered movement has a lever escapement.
The case, dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Weight: 53 g
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Signed: Technicum du Locle (dial)
             Ulysse Nardin, Swiss (case and movement)

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Technicum d’Horlogerie
The Technicum d’Horlogerie (Watchmaking School) in Le Locle was founded in 1868, thanks to the initiative of watchmaker and politician Henri Grandjean. In 1901–1902, the school became the foundation for the technical school that still exists today.
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The establishment of watchmaking schools like the one in Le Locle was crucial for the Swiss watch industry’s development. During the late 19^th century, Swiss watchmaking faced pressure from industrialization and competition from other countries. The traditional “établissage” system, where components were made in small workshops and homes, began to be replaced by standardized factories. This created the need for trained professionals and this  created a demand for formally trained watchmakers who understood the mechanics of mass production. Technical schools were founded to meet this need and ensure the industry could continue to thrive and produce high quality, precise timepieces.
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Graduates from the Technicum often went on to work for the many renowned watch manufacturers based in Le Locle, such as Ulysse Nardin, Zenith and Tissot, or become independent master watchmakers.