Amid the turmoil of the Civil War, Alfred Cross and Henry Beguelin forged a business partnership that came to be known as Cross and Beguelin. The two set up shop in the Maiden lane Jewelry District in New York City. There’s was a long partnership, lasting until the passing of Mr. Beguelin in 1896 and Mr. Cross in 1897. Though they never reached the level of fame other watchmakers achieved, the duo’s creations can still be found today.

One example is this elegant Cross and Beguelin Centennial featuring a size 18 movement, with 7 jewels, commonly attributed to Longines and thus, Swiss-made. Most Swiss watchmakers of the era were not accustomed to engraving their watch movements with serial numbers and manufacturer information, a practice that has led to a sense of mystery surrounding their origin.

Cross and Beguelin favored nickel cases, but an occasional silver case has been found. The key identifier of a genuine Cross and Beguelin pocket watch is the presence of the company’s trademark of a Maltese cross and C&B engraved on the rear cover.

The dazzling white dial and heavy inked Roman numerals, preserved in exquisite detail along with the shroud of mystery imbued by its Swiss origins, make this watch an intensely interesting collector’s showpiece and is an excellent starting point for a family heirloom tradition.