These are roulette pocket watches,
from the early 20th century. They don't tell time, just a roulette
game in a watch casing. I am not expert on these, by the way, just
a collector.
¶ the upper left one is unusual in that it has a square shaped housing.
¶ the upper right one is also unusual. It is the only one I
know of that has an indented paper dial and a loose small ball bearing that
falls into one of the number slots. The paper dial does the spinning,
and the ball is knocked about until the dial comes to rest. It is called
"Monte Carlo," and has a maker name, "New York Novelty and Mfg. Co., NY
USA." The top is not wound; you just push the plunger to get the dial
to spin.
¶ the two Monaco-Salon ones (top middle) are the most valuable, what
with their enamel dials. Unlike the others, they have a stopper button
(to the right of the top; slightly visible in the photo).
¶ the lower right one (which I believe is made in Germany) is the
least expensive of the lot. All of the others are wound/twisted at
the top and then pressed down to get the dial to spin. The lower right
one is different -- there is nothing to twist; there is just a spring lever
on the right (can't see it in this picture) that is held down and released.
¶ generally they work this way: Twist the knob on the top.
Needle is stationary. Then you press and hold down the knob, and the
needle spins around rapidly. Then whenever you wish, you
let go of the knob, and the needle stops! ... .... You can keep doing that
for many spins; that is, you don’t have to wind it all the time.
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