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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-wound open-face pocket watch

18K yellow gold pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch features a round 18K yellow gold case measuring 35 mm in diameter, with a total gross weight of 26.12 grams as reported by the auction house. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours alongside dot and baton markings for the minutes, indicated by decorative hands. The source describes an 18K gold case back decorated with a floral bouquet centered on a nielloed background, numbered 3743 and 4726 inside. Beneath rests a gold-plated dust cover inscribed with cylinder escapement details and eight ruby holes, enclosing a key-wound mechanical movement.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold pocket watch displaying the white enamel dial and suspension bow
Front view of the 18K yellow gold pocket watch displaying the white enamel dial and suspension bow — NEO Enchères. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-wound open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
178
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
3743

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 Construction and Decorative Elements

The timepiece is housed in a round, 18K yellow gold (750/1000) case measuring 35 mm in diameter. The exterior back is distinguished by a nielloed background featuring a central floral bouquet motif. The case is equipped with an elongated circular pendant and a suspension bow fixed above the twelve o'clock position.

Internal components of the case are stamped with two distinct numerical identifiers, '3743' and '4726'. The watch is further fitted with a gold-plated interior dust cover, which provides protection for the internal mechanical assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Round 18K yellow gold (750/1000) case”
  • “Case diameter: 35 mm.”
  • “18K yellow gold (750/1000) case back with a nielloed background featuring a floral bouquet at the center, numbered “3743” and “4726” on the inside.”
  • “Gold-plated dust cover”
  • “Elongated circular pendant and suspension bow mounted above twelve o'clock”

Dial and Visual Condition

The watch features a round white enamel dial. The chapter ring is marked with black Roman numerals for the hours and interspersed with dot and baton markings for minute tracking. The time is displayed via decorative pierced hands.

Visual inspection of the dial indicates the presence of hairline fractures extending across the upper and central surface areas. The source notes general wear, with particular emphasis on the degradation of the enamel surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Round dial with a white enamel background, Roman numerals for the hours, and dot and baton hour markers for the minutes; decorative hands”
  • “White enamel dial showing visible hairline cracks across the upper and central portions”
  • “wear particularly on the enamel”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The timepiece employs a mechanical movement requiring a key for winding. Inscribed on the internal dust cover are technical details noting the use of a cylinder escapement and hands characterized by eight ruby holes.

The operational state of the watch is not guaranteed by the auction house, which recommends a professional service. Furthermore, the necessary winding key is noted as missing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mechanical movement with key winding”
  • “marked “cylinder escapement, eight-hole ruby hands””
  • “manque la clef, le fonctionnement n'est pas garanti, une révision est conseillée”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the two distinct numbers '3743' and '4726' inscribed within the case?
  • Do the markings regarding the cylinder escapement and ruby holes correlate to a specific manufacturer or era?
  • Are there additional hallmarks present on the gold components beyond the purity standard that could assist in identifying the origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18K yellow gold pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K yellow gold (750/1000)“Round 18K yellow gold (750/1000) case”
Case Diameter35 mm“Case diameter: 35 mm.”
Gross Weight26.12 g“Gross weight: 26.12 g.”
Movement TypeMechanical with key winding“Mechanical movement with key winding”
EscapementCylinder escapement“cylinder escapement, eight-hole ruby hands”
Internal Numbers3743 and 4726“numbered “3743” and “4726” on the inside.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial showing visible hairline cracks across the upper and central portions
  • Elongated circular pendant and suspension bow mounted above twelve o'clock
  • Pierced decorative dark hands set against the Roman numeral chapter ring

Research qualifications

  • Winding key is noted as missing
  • Internal movement, dust cover, and decorated niello case back are not pictured in the provided view
  • Operational capability is not guaranteed by the auction house

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

Consulted source

At Auction: 18K yellow gold (750/1000) pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record aa778f215d

Terms in this record

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

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