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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

18k gold keyless wind dual-sided quarter repeating full hunter pocket watch

Partially verified

This 18k gold, keyless-wind, full hunter pocket watch features a complex dual-sided configuration and dates to approximately 1890. The timepiece is driven by a nickel 3/4 plate Swiss lever movement, which includes a bi-metallic balance wheel with compensation screws and a blued steel Breguet overcoil balance spring. The case measures 57mm in diameter and is finished with foliate engraving, a winged cherub motif, and engraved initials. A repeat slide located on the band between 12 and 2 o'clock activates the quarter-repeating function. The primary face is white enamel with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. The reverse face contains a rotating moon phase display, a calendar, a month aperture with day-count indication, and an outer chapter for the days of the month set against a gilt background. The case is stamped with the maker's mark "AJ" for Johnston & Co and includes the serial number 26387.

The reverse side of the dual-sided pocket watch, showing the moon phase display, calendar, and day-of-the-month chapter ring.
The reverse side of the dual-sided pocket watch, showing the moon phase display, calendar, and day-of-the-month chapter ring. — Bonhams, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Johnston & Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1890
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
26387

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 Configuration

The timepiece is housed in an 18k gold full hunter case measuring 57mm in diameter. The exterior of the hinged cover is decorated with foliate engraving and a central winged cherub motif, alongside personal engraved initials.

A functional repeat slide is integrated directly into the case band, positioned between the 12 and 2 o'clock markers. This slide serves to operate the internal quarter-repeating mechanism. The case is stamped with the initials 'AJ', which the source attributes to the maker Johnston & Co, accompanied by the unique serial number 26387.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is 57mm in diameter, constructed from 18k gold with a hinged cover featuring foliate engraving, a winged cherub motif, and engraved initials.”
  • “A repeat slide is integrated into the band between 12 and 2 o'clock to operate the quarter-repeating function.”
  • “The case is stamped "AJ" for Johnston & Co and bears the serial number 26387.”

Dials and Calendar Complications

The watch features a distinctive dual-dial configuration. The primary obverse dial is constructed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals for the hours, a black outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position. The hands are gilt, providing contrast against the enamel surface.

The reverse side of the watch holds the calendar complications. It features a gilt background against which a calendar and rotating moon phase display are set. This side includes a month aperture positioned at 12 o'clock with a day-count indication, and an outer chapter ring that facilitates the reading of the days of the month.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is distinguished by its dual-dial configuration.”
  • “One face displays white enamel with black Roman numerals, a black outer minute track, and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock with gilt hands.”
  • “The reverse face is highly ornate, featuring rotating moon phases, a black calendar set against a gilt background, a month aperture at 12 o'clock with a day-count indication, and a rotating outer chapter for days of the month.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The internal mechanism is a nickel 3/4 plate Swiss lever movement. This caliber incorporates a bi-metallic balance wheel fitted with compensation screws, which is regulated by a blued steel Breguet overcoil balance spring. The movement is designed to support the integrated quarter-repeating function and the associated calendar and moon phase displays.

The watch operates via a keyless winding system. The complexity of the assembly reflects its function as a repeating and calendar watch, requiring precise synchronization between the timing train and the complication modules.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece is complex, featuring a nickel 3/4 plate Swiss lever movement with a bi-metallic balance wheel equipped with compensation screws and a blued steel Breguet overcoil balance spring.”
  • “Keyless wind, nickel 3/4 plate Swiss lever”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship between the initials 'AJ' and the manufacturer Johnston & Co?
  • Does the serial number 26387 correlate with other known horological records from the period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18k gold keyless wind dual-sided quarter repeating full hunter pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18k gold“18k gold”
Maker markAJ“stamped "AJ" for Johnston & Co”
Serial number26387“serial number 26387”
Movement typeNickel 3/4 plate Swiss lever“nickel 3/4 plate Swiss lever movement”
Case diameter57mm“57mm in diameter”
ComplicationsQuarter repeating, moon phases, calendar“Quarter repeating, moon phases, calendar”
Datec. 1890“c. 1890”

Visible details

  • Dual-sided configuration featuring a calendar and moon phase display on the reverse
  • Repeat slide mounted on the case band between 12 and 2 o'clock
  • Engraved case cover with winged cherub and foliate motifs
  • 18k gold case construction

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution relies on the 'AJ' stamp identified as Johnston & Co in the source
  • The dating to circa 1890 is approximate

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

Consulted source

18k gold keyless wind dual-sided quarter repeating full hunter pocket watch, c. 1890

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 58847a6bba

Terms in this record

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

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