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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Jewellery pocket watch

18ct Ruby and Diamond Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18ct ruby and diamond pocket watch, manufactured in 1970, is a jewellery timepiece measuring 40 mm in diameter and weighing 36 grams. The watch is housed in an elaborate, decorative silver mounting featuring decorative bezels. The front of the case is set with six rubies, while the reverse side contains six old European cut diamonds. The exterior is further detailed with blue enamel, colorful floral decorations, and gold-plated leaves. The interior contains a gold-plated dial featuring Roman numerals. The piece is constructed from a combination of 18k gold and white gold. It is described as being in excellent condition and is designed as a formal accessory. The origin of the piece is stated by the source as European, though the specific maker remains unknown.

Front view of the 18ct ruby and diamond pocket watch showing the enamel dial, rubies on the bezel, and ornate silver mounting.
Front view of the 18ct ruby and diamond pocket watch showing the enamel dial, rubies on the bezel, and ornate silver mounting. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Jewellery pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1970
Source-reported place
Europe

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Decoration

The pocket watch is housed in a decorative mounting described as silver, although the specifications also list the metal as 18k and white gold. The exterior features an elaborate design with decorative bezels and a hinged protective shell.

The ornamentation includes six rubies set on the front and six old European cut diamonds on the back. The surface is additionally decorated with blue enamel, colorful floral motifs, and gold-plated leaves, contributing to its appearance as a piece of jewellery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in an elaborate silver mounting with decorative bezels”
  • “The front of the watch features six rubies, while the back showcases six old European cut diamonds.”
  • “The outside of the watch is adorned with blue enamel and colorful floral decoration surrounded by gold plated leaves.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The interior of the watch contains a gold-plated dial. It is marked with Roman numerals, which are positioned around the central display area.

The source describes the timepiece as functional, noting that the dial design provides balance and precision for timekeeping purposes.

Evidence for this section
  • “interior gold-plated dial, marked with Roman numerals, ensures precision and balance”
  • “The inside of the watch features a gold-plated dial with Roman numerals, providing excellent balance and precision when telling time.”

Provenance and Classification

The watch is attributed to a European origin and has been dated to 1970. The source acknowledges that the specific origins of the object remain unidentified.

The watch is classified as a retro-style jewellery piece, intended primarily for formal occasions rather than daily use. It is noted as weighing 36 grams and measuring 4 cm in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “The origins of this unique, 18ct jewellery pocket watch remain a mystery”
  • “expertly dated to the early 1970s.”
  • “suitable for formal occasions rather than daily wear”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive material composition of the case, given the conflicting references to both silver and 18k gold?
  • Is there a hallmark or maker's mark present on the interior or case back that can identify the specific European manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18ct Ruby and Diamond Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Metal18k Gold, White Gold“Metal: 18k Gold,White Gold”
Weight36 g“Weight: 36 g”
Diameter40 mm“Diameter: 40 mm (1.58 in)”
Date of Manufacture1970“Date of Manufacture: 1970”
Place of OriginEurope“Place of Origin: Europe”
StonesDiamond, Ruby“Stone: Diamond,Ruby”
ConditionExcellent“Condition: Excellent”

Visible details

  • Front of the case is adorned with six rubies in a decorative, patterned silver mounting.
  • The dial area is surrounded by a circular blue enamel track featuring gold-toned leaf or floral motifs.
  • The interior dial features Roman numerals against a textured gold-plated background.
  • The watch includes a hinged protective shell mechanism.

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting information, identifying both '18ct' gold and 'silver' mounting materials.
  • The source characterizes the piece as both a functional timepiece and an item of jewelry, noting it is suitable for formal occasions rather than daily wear.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

18ct Ruby and Diamond Pocket Watch with Jewels - 1970

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f0bdcacd42

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.