Can anyone tell me what is "pocket watch" type object is?

Question

Here are some pictures of it. I found it buried in the ground while planting flowers. It has a dial inside that still turns.

inside:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p296/gt1924/metalcontainer.jpg

outside:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p296/gt1924/metalcontainer3.jpg

Answer 1

The design looks art deco style.  It does look like a pocket watch could have been inserted inside  and the casing protected it.

Answer 2

Looks like a pocket watch that I saw in London in a display case once.If you go to this site I've given you the border at the top of the page scrolls from left to right and there is a blue one that resembles the inside one your photo..yours has some components missing.

Answer 3

It is an old powder compact from the days when face powder only came in loose form. It is filled from the large hole, powder is dispensed from the small ones and closed it is safe to carry in your  purse. These compacts were equipped with a flat little powder puff for the proverbial nose powdering.  Some of them were quite elaborate and included such things as tiny scent bottles.  There are many truly beautiful examples.  I'm not sure why so many included the chain as if they themselves were purses but it is very common.  They were popular from the early years of the century until nearly the fifties and there are many designs which reflect the changing styles.  Yours appears to be from the 30's or possibly the 40's.  What a cool thing to find in your yard!