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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Enamel pocket watch

18th-century 20k gold and enamel pocket watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is described by the auction house as an 18th-century piece crafted in 20-karat yellow gold with enamel accents. The case measures 45 mm in diameter, and the watch has a reported total gross weight of approximately 66.97 grams. It is signed FG, stamped 20K, and powered by a key-wound movement, though the winding key is missing. The visible dial features Roman numeral hour chapters, an outer five-minute ring rendered in Arabic numerals, and a front winding hole adjacent to the three o'clock marker.

Dial and case front of the 18th-century 20k yellow gold and enamel pocket watch
Dial and case front of the 18th-century 20k yellow gold and enamel pocket watch — Kodner Galleries. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Enamel pocket watch
Maker / attribution
FG
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
45
Source-reported date
18th Century
Country
Not established

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

Identity and Physical Description

This pocket watch is described in the auction catalog as an 18th-century piece crafted from 20-karat yellow gold. The watch is signed 'FG' and is stamped '20K'. The case has a measured diameter of 45 mm and a reported total gross weight of approximately 66.97 grams.

The watch dial features white enamel surfaces bordered by gold patterns with green enamel accents. Hour markers are rendered in black Roman numerals, while an outer ring displays Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fine 18th Century 20 Karat Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch.”
  • “Signed FG and stamped 20K.”
  • “Case measures 45mm.”
  • “Approx. total gross weight: 66.97 grams.”
  • “White enamel chapter surfaces are bordered by decorative gold patterns with green enamel accents.”
  • “Hours are marked with black Roman numerals, and the outer five-minute intervals are marked with Arabic numerals.”

Mechanism and Dial Configuration

The timepiece employs a key-wound movement; however, the winding key is noted as missing. A winding arbor hole is located on the dial between the three and four o'clock markers. The central arbor is currently observed without hands.

The exterior of the gold case band features painted polychrome floral enamel decoration. Internal movement components and case back markings are not pictured.

Evidence for this section
  • “Key wound movement.”
  • “Missing key.”
  • “A winding arbor hole penetrates the dial between the three and four o'clock markers.”
  • “The watch hands are absent from the central arbor.”
  • “Painted polychrome enamel floral decoration is visible along the outer edge of the gold case band.”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is sold in 'antique condition' with reports of rubbing, losses, and wear to the enamel. The auction house has made no determination regarding the running condition of the watch and does not provide a warranty for its mechanical functionality.

Terms provided by the auction house indicate that property is sold 'as is,' and they explicitly state they assume no responsibility for the authenticity or authorship of the items identified in the catalog.

Evidence for this section
  • “Antique condition. Rubbing, losses and wear to enamel.”
  • “No determination of running condition.”
  • “Please note the gallery does not warranty the running condition of watches.”
  • “The Auctioneer and the Consignor assume no risk, liability or responsibility for the authenticity, or the authorship of any property identified in the online catalogue”
  • “All property is sold "As Is"”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'FG' signature in the context of 18th-century horological makers?
  • Is there a standardized process for verifying the authenticity of items sold 'as is' when the auction house disclaims responsibility for authorship?
  • How does the presence of a front winding hole relate to specific historical movement designs from the 18th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18th-century 20k gold and enamel pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material20-karat yellow gold and enamel“Fine 18th Century 20 Karat Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch.”
Signature and StampSigned FG and stamped 20K“Signed FG and stamped 20K.”
Movement TypeKey wound movement“Key wound movement.”
Case Measurement45mm“Case measures 45mm.”
Gross WeightApprox. 66.97 grams“Approx. total gross weight: 66.97 grams.”
Case Diameter45 mm“Case measures 45mm.”
Gross Weight66.97 grams“Approx. total gross weight: 66.97 grams.”
Movement TypeKey wound“Key wound movement.”

Visible details

  • White enamel chapter surfaces are bordered by decorative gold patterns with green enamel accents.
  • Hours are marked with black Roman numerals, and the outer five-minute intervals are marked with Arabic numerals.
  • A winding arbor hole penetrates the dial between the three and four o'clock markers.
  • The watch hands are absent from the central arbor.
  • Painted polychrome enamel floral decoration is visible along the outer edge of the gold case band.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes missing key and states no determination of running condition was made.
  • Source reports rubbing, losses, and wear to the enamel.
  • Hands are missing from the dial arbor.
  • Internal movement and case back markings are not pictured.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: 18th C 20K and Enamel Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 07c7971c47

Terms in this record

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

Other enamel pocket watch records