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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Automaton quarter repeater open face pocket watch

18K Yellow Gold and Enamel Automaton Quarter Repeater Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

According to Freeman's auction catalogue, this open face pocket watch features an 18-karat yellow gold case measuring 52.00 mm in diameter. The dial incorporates a central white dial with black Arabic numerals framed by an outer blue enamel background with an applied gilt flower basket and Classical Jacquemart automatons striking bells. The source reports a key-wound and set gilt verge fusee movement with a quarter-repeating function and an engine-turned case back. The inner case back bears the stamp '30 (obscured) 4460 K18'.

Dial view of the 18K yellow gold and enamel automaton quarter repeater pocket watch
Dial view of the 18K yellow gold and enamel automaton quarter repeater pocket watch — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Automaton quarter repeater open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
75
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
4460

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 Exterior Construction

The timepiece is an open-face pocket watch featuring an 18-karat yellow gold case with a diameter of 52.00 mm and an engine-turned case back.

The inner case back is stamped with the marking '30 (obscured) 4460 K18'.

Evidence for this section
  • “52.00 mm case diameter”
  • “engine turned case back”
  • “Inner case back stamp: 30 (obscured) 4460 K18.”

Dial and Automaton Features

The dial consists of a central white section with black Arabic numerals and an outer blue enamel border.

Decorations include an applied gilt floral basket and two Classical Jacquemart automaton figures, each depicted with raised hammers positioned near two suspended bells.

Evidence for this section
  • “central white dial with outer blue enamel with applied gilt flower basket decoration and Jacquemart automatons depicted as Classical figures, black Arabic numerals”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The watch utilizes a key-wound and key-set gilt verge fusee movement with a quarter-repeating function.

At the time of cataloguing, the movement was reported to wind, set, and run, though it was not timed for accuracy. The metal casing exhibits heavy scratching.

Evidence for this section
  • “key wound and set gilt verge fusee movement with repeater function”
  • “The watch winds, sets and runs at the time of cataloguing but has not been timed for accuracy.”
  • “There is heavy scratching to the metal.”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the maker or the significance of the '4460' serial number?
  • Can the origin or manufacturing period be determined from the '30 (obscured)' stamp on the inner case?
  • Does the automaton action remain functional for striking the quarter hours?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18K Yellow Gold and Enamel Automaton Quarter Repeater Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter52.00 mm“52.00 mm case diameter”
Movement typeKey wound and set gilt verge fusee movement with repeater function“key wound and set gilt verge fusee movement with repeater function”
Inner case back stamp30 (obscured) 4460 K18“Inner case back stamp: 30 (obscured) 4460 K18.”
Gross weight75.15 dwt“75.15 dwt.”
ProvenanceCollection of Del Pelton, Scottsdale, Arizona“Property from the Collection of Del Pelton, Scottsdale, Arizona”
Gross weight75.15 dwt“75.15 dwt.”
ProvenanceCollection of Del Pelton, Scottsdale, Arizona“Property from the Collection of Del Pelton, Scottsdale, Arizona”

Visible details

  • Central white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and blued Breguet-style hands.
  • Winding/setting aperture visible at the 2 o'clock position on the central dial.
  • Outer deep blue enamel surround decorated with two Classical Jacquemart figures with raised hammers, two suspended bells above, and an applied gilt floral basket below.
  • Yellow gold open-face case with a ribbed/coin-edge rim and looped bow at 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • No maker or country of origin is stated in the auction description.
  • The verge fusee movement and engine-turned case back are described by the auction house but not visible in the primary photograph.
  • Catalogue condition report notes heavy scratching to the metal.

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

Consulted source

18K YELLOW GOLD AND ENAMEL AUTOMATON QUARTER REPEATER... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 01e10bebe6

Terms in this record

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