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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

A Slimline Open Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this open-faced pocket watch measures 42mm in case diameter and features an engine-turned rear cover centred with a vacant circular cartouche. The silvered dial displays Roman numeral hour indices, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position, accompanied by blued steel hands. The catalog notes that the watch houses a key-wound movement with a cylinder escapement signed Durin Geneve.

Front view of the open-faced pocket watch showing the silvered Roman dial and sub-seconds register
Front view of the open-faced pocket watch showing the silvered Roman dial and sub-seconds register — Elstob Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Durin Geneve
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0588
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland

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 External Configuration

The watch features an open-faced configuration measuring 42mm in diameter. The rear cover is decorated with an engine-turned pattern and incorporates a vacant circular cartouche at its centre.

External features include a spherical pendant at the 12 o'clock position, which is fitted with an oval suspension bow. The composition of the case metal is not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case diameter 42mm”
  • “engine-turned rear cover with a vacant circular cartouche to the centre”
  • “Spherical pendant fitted with an oval suspension bow at the 12 o'clock position.”

Dial and Visual Condition

The silvered dial displays Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track. A subsidiary seconds subdial, featuring Arabic numerals, is positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is accented by blued steel hands.

The dial shows visible signs of aging, specifically surface discolouration and mottling. A faint engraved or engine-turned pattern is present in the dial centre.

Evidence for this section
  • “the silvered dial with Roman indices and outer minute track”
  • “sub-seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position”
  • “blued steel hands”
  • “dial is discoloured with age”
  • “Faint engraved or engine-turned pattern visible in the dial centre.”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece houses a key-wound movement equipped with a cylinder escapement, signed 'Durin Geneve'.

The auction description states the watch is currently functioning, though it notes that timekeeping has not been tested. The movement, inner cuvette, and internal components are not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “key wound movement with a cylinder escapement signed Durin Geneve”
  • “Watch is currently functioning but timekeeping not ested”

Open research questions

  • What is the base metal composition of the case?
  • Does the 'Durin Geneve' signature correspond to a known historical watchmaking entity?
  • Can the engine-turned dial pattern provide stylistic indicators to narrow the watch's period of production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A Slimline Open Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter42mm“Case diameter 42mm”
Movement signatureDurin Geneve“signed Durin Geneve”
EscapementCylinder escapement“cylinder escapement”
WindingKey wound“key wound movement”
HandsBlued steel hands“blued steel hands”
Rear coverEngine-turned with vacant circular cartouche“engine-turned rear cover with a vacant circular cartouche to the centre”
Auction Lot0588“Lot 0588”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial displays visible aging, mottling, and surface discolouration.
  • Faint engraved or engine-turned pattern visible in the dial centre.
  • Subsidiary seconds subdial with Arabic numerals at the 6 o'clock position.
  • Spherical pendant fitted with an oval suspension bow at the 12 o'clock position.

Research qualifications

  • The movement, inner cuvette, and rear engine-turned cover are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • Case metal composition and hallmarks are not specified in the auction text or visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

A Slimline Open Faced Pocket Watch - Jul 15, 2026 | Elstob Auctioneers In North Yorkshire

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e26e810c07

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records