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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

An 18ct Gold Cased Openfaced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an openfaced pocket watch with an 18ct gold case catalogued as London, probably 1810, having a case diameter of 4.5 cm and a gross weight of 86.8 grams. The auction house reports an engine-turned caseback and notes that the timepiece is accompanied by an associated case. It is fitted with an associated white dial marked 'J.W. Benson London' with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. According to the condition report, the movement could not be opened out, is not working, and shows evidence of rusting.

Dial view of the 18ct gold openfaced pocket watch with associated J.W. Benson dial
Dial view of the 18ct gold openfaced pocket watch with associated J.W. Benson dial — 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
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1557
Source-reported date
probably 1810
Country
United Kingdom

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 Features

The watch features an 18ct gold open-faced case with a diameter of 4.5 cm and an engine-turned caseback. The bow and pendant are positioned at 12 o'clock in a yellow metal consistent with the case rim.

The source identifies the origin as London, probably 1810. An associated case is included with the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “AN 18CT GOLD CASED OPENFACED POCKET WATCH”
  • “the caseback engine turned”
  • “London probably 1810”
  • “case diameter 4.5cm”
  • “with an associated case”
  • “Bow and pendant positioned at 12 o'clock in yellow metal matching the case rim.”

Dial and Hands

The watch is fitted with an associated white dial inscribed 'J.W. Benson London'. The display features black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute railway track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.

Time is indicated by blued steel hands, described as including a spade-tipped hour hand. A surface blemish or adhesive residue is observable on the dial between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions.

Evidence for this section
  • “With associated dial detailed J.W. Benson London”
  • “White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer minute railway track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Blued steel hands including a spade-tipped hour hand.”
  • “Adhesive residue or surface blemish visible on the dial between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions.”

Condition and Mechanism

The watch is not currently working. The auction house reports that it was not possible to open the movement for inspection.

There is visible evidence of rusting noted by the auction house. Details regarding the movement caliber or maker are not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has not been possible to open out the movement, which is not working, we note evidence of rusting”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmark evidence exists to support the 'London, probably 1810' dating?
  • What are the physical indicators that the dial is an 'associated' component rather than original to the case?
  • Are there any identifying marks or caliber numbers visible on the exterior of the movement once the rust is assessed?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for An 18ct Gold Cased Openfaced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18ct gold“AN 18CT GOLD CASED OPENFACED POCKET WATCH”
Dial InscriptionAssociated dial detailed J.W. Benson London“With associated dial detailed J.W. Benson London”
Caseback DecorationEngine turned“the caseback engine turned”
Hallmark / OriginLondon probably 1810“London probably 1810”
Case Diameter4.5cm“case diameter 4.5cm”
Gross Weight86.8 grams“gross weight 86.8 grams”
Condition ReportMovement not working, evidence of rusting, could not be opened out“It has not been possible to open out the movement, which is not working, we note evidence of rusting”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer minute railway track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Blued steel hands including a spade-tipped hour hand.
  • Adhesive residue or surface blemish visible on the dial between the 3 and 4 o'clock positions.
  • Bow and pendant positioned at 12 o'clock in yellow metal matching the case rim.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the dial is associated.
  • Source states the accompanying case is associated.
  • Condition report states it was not possible to open out the movement, it is not working, and shows evidence of rusting.
  • Movement caliber, maker, and specific movement details are unrecorded.

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record fa755a5602

Terms in this record

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

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