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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

An 18ct Gold Cased Key Wind Openfaced Pocket Watch by Jas Hatton

Partially verified

This openfaced pocket watch features an 18ct gold case accompanied by a winding key. The auction house reports a gilt fusee movement with a lever escapement, marked on the backplate with Jas Hatton, London, and number 5376, lacking a separate brass cap. The watch presents a gilt dial with Roman numerals and an ornate floral border. Sourced records indicate London hallmarks probably dating to 1834, an 18ct gold inner case, and a gross weight of 57.5 grams. The condition report notes that the minute hand is replaced and the case back engine-turned decoration is worn with shallow edge dents.

Dial view of the 18ct gold openfaced pocket watch with winding key
Dial view of the 18ct gold openfaced pocket watch with winding key — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Jas Hatton
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
351
Source-reported date
probably 1834
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
5376

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 Provenance

This open-faced pocket watch is attributed to the maker Jas Hatton, London, with the serial number 5376 engraved on the backplate. The auction house attributes the piece to London, with a suggested date of 1834 based on hallmark evidence.

The watch features an 18ct gold inner case and is recorded with a gross weight of 57.5 grams. The source documentation cites a case diameter of 41.5cm; this figure is likely a typographical error for 41.5mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “detailed to the backplate Jas Hatton, London, 5376”
  • “London probably 1834”
  • “18ct gold inner case”
  • “case diameter 41.5cm”
  • “gross weight 57.5 grams”

Mechanism and Construction

The timepiece contains a gilt fusee movement with a lever escapement. The movement is noted to lack a separate pull-off brass cap. The watch is accompanied by a winding key.

The auction house states the movement is currently working but does not guarantee its future functionality or time-keeping accuracy. It is noted that individual movement parts may be replacements resulting from historical repair or restoration.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gilt fusee movement with a lever escapement”
  • “There is no separate pull off brass cap to the movement”
  • “with a key”
  • “The movement of any watches has not been tested for accuracy or time keeping”
  • “any individual movement parts may be replacements from originals due to any repair or restoration”

Dial and Condition

The dial is gilt with Roman numerals. Observations identify an engine-turned geometric pattern in the center and a textured floral and foliate relief border.

Condition reports note that the minute hand is a replacement. The engine-turned decoration on the case back is described as worn, and the perimeter edge exhibits shallow dents.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt dial with gilt Roman numerals”
  • “minute hand replaced”
  • “case back engine turned decoration is rather worn”
  • “a few shallow dents around the edge”

Open research questions

  • What specific London hallmarks are present on the inner case that correlate with the 1834 dating?
  • Does the serial number 5376 align with known records for Jas Hatton’s production output?
  • Is the absence of the brass movement cap original to this specific model or the result of subsequent modification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for An 18ct Gold Cased Key Wind Openfaced Pocket Watch by Jas Hatton
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJas Hatton, London“detailed to the backplate Jas Hatton, London, 5376”
Movement TypeGilt fusee movement with lever escapement“The gilt fusee movement with a lever escapement”
Inner Case18ct gold“18ct gold inner case”
DialGilt dial with gilt Roman numerals“the gilt dial with gilt Roman numerals”
Date and PlaceLondon probably 1834“London probably 1834”
Gross Weight57.5 grams“gross weight 57.5 grams”
Serial Number5376“5376”

Visible details

  • Textured floral and foliate relief border encircling the perimeter of the dial.
  • Engine-turned geometric pattern across the central portion of the dial.
  • Gold-toned case with a circular pendant and bow.
  • Accompanied by a separate winding key marked with numeral '3'.

Research qualifications

  • Source text states case diameter as '41.5cm', an apparent typographical error for millimeters.
  • Movement and interior case hallmarks are not visible in the supplied photograph.

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 3bf9ad0ac0

Terms in this record

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

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