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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-winding hunting case chronometer

Adams & Son 18k Gold Key-Winding Chronometer Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18k yellow gold hunting case pocket watch by Adams & Son of London, dating to 1852, is a key-winding chronometer. It measures 54 mm in diameter and weighs 147 grams. The white enamel dial features a 24-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock, and blue steel spade hands. The movement is a 13-jewel, 3/4 plate, gilded brass caliber featuring a fusee and chain mechanism. Technical attributes include a detent escapement, gold screwed chatons for the jewels, and a cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws. The watch is also fitted with a Breguet hairspring with terminal curves and a diamond end-stone. The auction description notes that the movement is in very good condition with a recommendation for an overhaul, while the case shows slight signs of scratching.

View of the watch with the hunting case open, revealing the dial with its 24-hour power reserve indicator and subsidiary seconds.
View of the watch with the hunting case open, revealing the dial with its 24-hour power reserve indicator and subsidiary seconds. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Key-winding hunting case chronometer
Maker / attribution
F.B. Adams & Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
182
Source-reported date
1852
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
78257

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 Dial

The watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold hunting case measuring 54 mm in diameter. It has a total weight of 147 grams. The auction description reports the case is in very good condition, noting that it is slightly scratched.

The white enamel dial features black Roman numerals for the hours. It includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position and a power reserve indication calibrated for 24 hours positioned at 12 o'clock. The dial is equipped with blue steel spade-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “18k yellow gold, manual wind hunting case”
  • “White enamel dial, 24-hour power reserve indication at 12 o'clock, subsidiary seconds at 6”
  • “Case: 2-8 Very good Slightly scratched”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 13-jewel, 3/4 plate, gilded brass caliber featuring a fusee and chain power delivery system. It is designed as a chronometer with a detent escapement. The construction incorporates gold screwed-chatons for the jewel settings.

The balance assembly consists of a cut bimetallic compensated balance fitted with gold poising screws. It is controlled by a Breguet hairspring with terminal curves and includes a diamond end-stone.

Evidence for this section
  • “13 jewels, ¾ plate, gilded brass, fusee and chain, gold screwed-chatons”
  • “detent escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws”
  • “Breguet hairspring with terminal curves, diamond end-stone”

Signatures and Provenance

The watch is signed on the dial and the movement. The movement is engraved with the name F.B. Adams & Sons, London, along with the movement serial number 78257. The movement also bears the inscription 'Deuvs' and mentions Geo Moore of St John's Square, London.

The watch is dated by its London hallmarks to 1852. The case is also numbered 257.

Evidence for this section
  • “London hallmarks for 1852”
  • “Signature Dial and movement”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship between Adams & Son and the watchmaker Geo Moore mentioned on the movement plate?
  • Does the 'Deuvs' inscription refer to a specific chronometer standard or an original owner/retailer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Adams & Son 18k Gold Key-Winding Chronometer Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
MakerAdams & Son“Adams & Son”
Date1852“London hallmarks for 1852”
Movement Number78257“Movement No. 78257”
Case Number257“Case No. 257”
Diameter54 mm“Diameter 54 mm.”
Weight147 gr“Weight 147 gr.”
Movement Type3/4 plate, gilded brass, fusee and chain“¾ plate, gilded brass, fusee and chain”

Visible details

  • 24-hour power reserve indicator located on the dial at 12 o'clock
  • Gilded 3/4 plate movement with fusee and chain visible
  • Gold screwed-chatons present on the movement plate
  • Blued steel spade hands

Research qualifications

  • The auction description advises an overhaul is recommended at the buyer's expense
  • The watch case is described as having slight scratches

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

Consulted source

ADAMS & SON, ENGLAND, CHRONOMETER, DETENT ESCAPEMENT AND POWER RESERVE, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 166afa626b

Terms in this record

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