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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Adolphe Nicole à Genève Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is documented under Catawiki auction lot number 9308033, where the source attributes it to Adolphe Nicole a Geneve and dates it to the early 1800s. Shown resting in a blue-lined presentation case alongside a matching golden-toned winding key, the timepiece displays a silver-toned metal dial decorated with radiating engine-turned or guilloché patterns. The dial features Roman numeral hour markers and open Breguet-style hands, encased in an ornate golden-toned case with embossed or carved relief decoration around the bezel.

Dial and case view of the open-face pocket watch with winding key in case
Dial and case view of the open-face pocket watch with winding key in case — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Adolphe Nicole
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
9308033
Source-reported date
early 1800's
Source-reported place
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

Source Identity and Attributions

This timepiece is recorded under Catawiki auction lot number 9308033 under the title 'Adolphe Nicole a Geneve pocket watch early 1800's'. The title reports an attribution to Adolphe Nicole in Geneva and an approximate date in the early nineteenth century.

The maker attribution and Genevan location derive solely from the auction title string. The visible dial carries black Roman numerals without an observable maker signature, meaning this attribution cannot be cross-referenced against external dial markings in the available record.

Evidence for this section
  • “No. 9308033”
  • “Adolphe Nicole a Geneve pocket watch early 1800's”
  • “Dial marked with black Roman numerals and fitted with Breguet-style hands”

Dial and Case Configuration

The pocket watch displays an open-face format featuring a silver-toned metal dial. The dial surface is finished with radiating wavy guilloché or engine-turned texturing, surrounded by Roman numeral hour markers and open-tipped Breguet-style hands.

The dial is set into a golden-toned case detailed with a relief carved pattern encircling the outer bezel. At the top of the case, the suspension loop or bow is shaped with decorative fluting and scrollwork.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver-toned dial decorated with radiating guilloché or engine-turned wavy patterns”
  • “Golden-toned case with relief carved pattern along the outer bezel”
  • “Suspension loop or bow at the top with decorative fluting/scrollwork”

Accessories and Documentary Scope

The watch is shown resting inside a blue presentation case alongside an accompanying golden-toned winding key. The presence of the key indicates key winding, but specific mechanical components such as the train or escapement are not detailed in the source.

The listing documentation contains no images or descriptions of the internal movement, cuvette inscriptions, serial numbers, or case hallmarks. These elements are not recorded in the source text or visible photograph, leaving internal specifications unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by a dedicated golden-toned winding key inside a blue case”
  • “early 1800's”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement or inner cuvette bear an engraved signature confirming Adolphe Nicole à Genève?
  • What escapement type (e.g., cylinder or lever) is present within the movement?
  • Are case maker marks or precious metal hallmarks stamped on the inside of the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Adolphe Nicole à Genève Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Listing lot number9308033“No. 9308033”
Source title attributionAdolphe Nicole a Geneve“Adolphe Nicole a Geneve”
Source reported periodearly 1800's“early 1800's”
Lot Number9308033“No. 9308033”
Listing Title AttributionAdolphe Nicole a Geneve“Adolphe Nicole a Geneve”
Listing Stated Periodearly 1800's“early 1800's”

Visible details

  • Silver-toned dial decorated with radiating guilloché or engine-turned wavy patterns
  • Dial marked with black Roman numerals and fitted with Breguet-style hands
  • Golden-toned case with relief carved pattern along the outer bezel
  • Suspension loop or bow at the top with decorative fluting/scrollwork
  • Accompanied by a dedicated golden-toned winding key inside a blue case

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Adolphe Nicole is reported solely by the auction title and cannot be verified from dial markings in the visible photograph
  • Movement, internal hallmarks, and cuvette inscriptions are not visible in the supplied image

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

Consulted source

Watches for Sale in Online Auctions - Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 362f6a6dc3

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records