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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch features an 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately 43 mm across, with a total gross weight recorded at approximately 32.80 dwt. The source reports a manual-wind movement and dates the watch to circa 1920. According to catalog description stamps, the inner case is inscribed '13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.' The yellow metal dial exhibits ornate engraved floral decoration across the upper central area, dot hour indices, and a subsidiary dial located above 6 o'clock.

Dial and front view of the 18K yellow gold pocket watch showing ornate engraved dial and bow
Dial and front view of the 18K yellow gold pocket watch showing ornate engraved dial and bow — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Grand Geneva
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
50
Source-reported date
Circa 1920
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
13455

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

Object Identification and Case Construction

This open-face pocket watch is presented in an 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately 43 mm in diameter. The gross weight of the piece is recorded at approximately 32.80 dwt. Decorative engraving is present on the case bezel, pendant, and bow ring.

Internal markings identify the piece as '13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.' The case back is noted as being slightly deformed and is described as difficult to keep closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case material: 18K yellow gold”
  • “Case size: Approx. 43 mm”
  • “Gross weight: Approx. 32.80 dwt.”
  • “Inner case: 13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.”
  • “The case back is slightly deformed and is difficult to keep closed.”
  • “Engraved decoration on the case bezel, pendant, and bow ring.”

Dial Configuration

The gold-toned dial features an engraved floral and scrollwork motif in the upper section. The display includes dot hour indices and a subsidiary dial located at the 6 o'clock position, which contains a central hand and a winding aperture.

The dial features visible central hands, described as a dark Breguet-style hand and a slender, long hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold-toned dial featuring an engraved floral and scrollwork motif in the upper section.”
  • “Subsidiary dial located at the 6 o'clock position with a central hand and winding aperture.”
  • “Visible central hands consisting of a dark Breguet-style hand and a slender long hand.”

Movement and Condition Notes

The watch is powered by a manual-wind movement, though the movement is not pictured in the provided source. The item is dated to circa 1920.

Condition reports note light scratches to the crystal and throughout the metal. The watch has not been timed for accuracy and service is recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual wind”
  • “Year: Circa 1920”
  • “There are light scratches to the crystal and throughout the metal.”
  • “The pocket watch has not been timed for accuracy, and service is recommended.”

Open research questions

  • Is 'Vacheron Grand Geneva' an established watch manufacturer or a trade name?
  • Does the 'Ten Holes' inscription on the inner case refer to a specific technical configuration or a decorative patent?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K yellow gold“Case material: 18K yellow gold”
Case SizeApprox. 43 mm“Case size: Approx. 43 mm”
Movement TypeManual wind“Movement: Manual wind”
Gross WeightApprox. 32.80 dwt.“Gross weight: Approx. 32.80 dwt.”
Inner Case Stamp13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.“Inner case: 13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.”
YearCirca 1920“Year: Circa 1920”
Stamps13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.“Stamps: Inner case: 13455 Vacheron Grand Geneva Detached Level Ten Holes and Three Levers Jewell'd.”

Visible details

  • Gold-toned dial featuring an engraved floral and scrollwork motif in the upper section.
  • Subsidiary dial located at the 6 o'clock position with a central hand and winding aperture.
  • Engraved decoration on the case bezel, pendant, and bow ring.
  • Visible central hands consisting of a dark Breguet-style hand and a slender long hand.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case cuvette are not pictured in the provided view.
  • Source reports light scratches to crystal and metal, and notes the case back is slightly deformed and difficult to keep closed.

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

Consulted source

18K YELLOW GOLD POCKET WATCH | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record f660660891

Terms in this record

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

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