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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter cased pocket watch

A Victorian 18 Carat Gold Hunter Cased Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Victorian pocket watch features an 18 carat gold hunter case, which source documentation states is hallmarked for Chester, 1879. The timepiece is fitted with an enamel dial displaying black Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. Bonhams records that both the enamel dial and the internal lever movement bear maker signatures, with the movement marked with serial number 71395. The visible watch case displays reeded coin-edge band detailing and a side pendant with a circular bow.

Front view of the open 18 carat gold hunter pocket watch with enamel dial and subsidiary seconds
Front view of the open 18 carat gold hunter pocket watch with enamel dial and subsidiary seconds — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
10
Source-reported date
1879
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
71395

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 Hallmarking

The pocket watch is catalogued by the auctioneer as an 18 carat gold hunter cased model. Direct visual observations show a reeded or coin-edged case rim band, a polished gold hunter front cover open toward the left, and a winding pendant neck positioned at 3 o'clock fitted with a dark rounded bow.

Internal hallmarks are not shown in the lot photograph. Bonhams records that the case is hallmarked for Chester, 1879.

Evidence for this section
  • “18 carat gold hunter cased pocket watch”
  • “the case hallmarked for Chester, 1879.”
  • “Reeded or coin-edged case rim band.”
  • “Polished gold hunter front cover open to the left side.”
  • “Winding pendant neck at 3 o'clock fitted with a dark rounded bow.”

Dial Configuration

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer track. At the 6 o'clock position, there is a subsidiary seconds register marked with Arabic numerals in tens.

The lot description indicates that the dial is signed. Visual inspection notes a maker signature inscription located below the 12 o'clock numeral, though the specific text is not transcribed in the source description.

Evidence for this section
  • “The enamel dial with black roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, signed”
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals in tens.”
  • “Dial bears a maker signature inscription below the 12 o'clock numeral.”

Internal Movement

The movement mechanism is not visible in the provided image. According to the catalogue entry, the watch houses a lever movement that is both signed and numbered 71395.

The full text of the movement signature, mechanical layout, and jewel count are not recorded in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “the lever movement signed and numbered '71395'”

Open research questions

  • What specific maker or retailer name is inscribed on the enamel dial below the 12 o'clock position?
  • What complete signature and caliber details are engraved on the plates of lever movement 71395?
  • Which casemaker's sponsor mark accompanies the Chester 1879 hallmark inside the case covers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A Victorian 18 Carat Gold Hunter Cased Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Type and Metal18 carat gold hunter cased pocket watch“18 carat gold hunter cased pocket watch”
Dial DetailsEnamel dial with black roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial“The enamel dial with black roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, signed”
MovementSigned lever movement numbered 71395“the lever movement signed and numbered '71395'”
HallmarksChester, 1879“the case hallmarked for Chester, 1879.”
Auction Sale Price£246.75 inc. premium“Sold for £246.75 inc. premium”
Sale Date5 April 2006“5 April 2006, 11:00 BST”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer track.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals in tens.
  • Polished gold hunter front cover open to the left side.
  • Reeded or coin-edged case rim band.
  • Winding pendant neck at 3 o'clock fitted with a dark rounded bow.
  • Dial bears a maker signature inscription below the 12 o'clock numeral.

Research qualifications

  • The maker name printed on the dial and movement is not fully transcribed in the auction text.
  • Movement and interior case hallmarks are not visible in the photograph; details are source-reported.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : A Victorian 18 carat gold hunter cased pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 014f57d13b

Terms in this record

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

Other hunter cased pocket watch records