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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

18k gold open-face pocket watch with 14k gold chain by H. Adama

Partially verified

This late 19th-century open-face pocket watch features an 18K yellow gold case with a diameter of approximately 50 mm. The gold-colored dial is decorated with an engraved floral motif and incorporates Roman numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The internal mechanics are contained within a case that includes an 18K gold purity stamp. A dust cover is signed "H. Adama te Leeuwarden", while the inner movement cover displays an engraving of a park scene identified as "Prinsentuin" in Leeuwarden. The watch is powered by a mechanical movement and includes a vintage winding key. The ensemble is completed by a 14K gold chain measuring approximately 27 cm in length, which features a ring stamped with the Dutch oak leaf hallmark. The watch weighs 79.54 grams, and the chain weighs 16.54 grams.

An open-face pocket watch with an engraved gold dial, 14K gold chain, and winding key.
An open-face pocket watch with an engraved gold dial, 14K gold chain, and winding key. — Pari Auktionen, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
H. Adama
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 19th century
Source-reported place
Netherlands

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

Dial and Case Construction

The timepiece is an open-face configuration with an 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter. The dial is finished in a gold color and features an engraved floral motif centered on the dial plate, complemented by Roman numeral hour markers. The time is displayed via blued steel hands, with a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the six o'clock marker.

The case exhibits localized engravings, including an inner movement cover that depicts a park scene. This engraving includes text identifying the location as Leeuwarden and specifically referencing the Prinsentuin. The interior of the case bears an 18K gold purity stamp, verifying the material composition of the housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “features an 18K yellow gold case and crown, measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter”
  • “gold-colored dial is adorned with an engraved floral motif, Roman numeral hour markers, and blued steel hands”
  • “inner movement cover is elaborately engraved with a view of a park and inscribed with the Dutch location "Leeuwarden" and "Prinsentuin".”

Movement and Inscriptions

The watch functions using a mechanical movement, which is accessed via the rear of the case. The watch is provided with a vintage winding key used to operate the mechanism.

The identification of the watchmaker is confirmed through an inscription located on the internal dust cover, which reads "H. Adama te Leeuwarden". This mark identifies the maker and the place of manufacture as Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by a mechanical movement and is accompanied by a vintage winding key”
  • “separate dust cover is signed "H. Adama te Leeuwarden".”

Associated Chain

The watch is accompanied by a 14K gold chain that measures approximately 27 cm in length. The chain assembly includes a ring component stamped with a Dutch oak leaf hallmark, a standard mark used for gold purity verification in the Netherlands.

The total weight of the watch is approximately 79.54 grams, and the associated 14K gold chain weighs approximately 16.54 grams, representing the complete set as catalogued.

Evidence for this section
  • “ensemble includes a 14K gold watch chain measuring approximately 27 cm in length”
  • “features a ring stamped with the Dutch oak leaf hallmark.”
  • “chain weighs approximately 16.54 grams.”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of mechanical movement is contained within the case?
  • Can the H. Adama workshop be identified in historical Leeuwarden trade records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18k gold open-face pocket watch with 14k gold chain by H. Adama
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold case and crown”
Chain material14K gold“14K gold watch chain”
Watch diameter50 mm“measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter”
Dust cover signatureH. Adama te Leeuwarden“A separate dust cover is signed "H. Adama te Leeuwarden".”
Case back engravingPark view (Prinsentuin)“The inner movement cover is elaborately engraved with a view of a park and inscribed with the Dutch location "Leeuwarden" and "Prinsentuin".”
Watch weight79.54 g“The total weight of the watch is approximately 79.54 grams”
HallmarkDutch oak leaf“features a ring stamped with the Dutch oak leaf hallmark.”

Visible details

  • Floral engraving on the dial center
  • Blued steel hands
  • Linked chain with integrated winding key

Research qualifications

  • The movement type is stated only as mechanical without further technical detail
  • The specific provenance beyond the maker and location remains undocumented

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

Consulted source

18k gold open-face pocket watch with 14k gold chain, H. Adama, Leeuwarden, late 19th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c65c60b625

Terms in this record

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

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