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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch with 9K gold chain

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this open face pocket watch dates to circa 1880 and features an 18K yellow gold case numbered 6577 measuring 34mm in diameter. The white dial is set with black Roman hour numerals and an auxiliary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position. Bonhams reports that the watch is powered by a keyless-wind cylinder movement. The lot is accompanied by a matching yellow-toned 9K gold chain equipped with long bar links, a swivel fastener, and a T-bar.

Dial and front view of the 18K gold pocket watch displayed alongside its 9K gold chain
Dial and front view of the 18K gold pocket watch displayed alongside its 9K gold chain — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
92
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
6577

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 Accompaniment

The timepiece is an open-face pocket watch featuring an 18K gold case described in the catalog as 'Polished round, No.6577' with an overall diameter of 34mm. Direct visual examination shows an open-face yellow gold case surmounted by a knurled winding crown and a rounded top bow.

The watch is paired with an accompaniment recorded in the listing as a '9K gold chain'. Visual observation confirms a yellow gold chain constructed with elongated links, an end swivel clasp, and a transverse T-bar.

Evidence for this section
  • “An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch with 9K gold chain”
  • “Case: Polished round, No.6577”
  • “Size: 34mm”
  • “Accompaniments: 9K gold chain”
  • “Yellow gold open-face case with top bow and knurled winding crown”
  • “Yellow gold chain with elongated links, swivel clasp, and T-bar”

Dial Configuration

The auction entry records a 'White' dial. In the provided lot photograph, the dial is visible with black Roman hour numerals and an outer peripheral minute track.

A subsidiary seconds register is observed above the 6 o'clock position. No maker signature, brand name, or retailer marking is visible on the dial surface or noted in the catalog description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White”
  • “White dial with black Roman hour markers and minute track”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register above 6 o'clock”

Mechanism and Dating Evidence

The auction catalog reports the movement as 'Cylinder' with keyless winding ('An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch'). Because no images of the uncased movement or opened case interior are provided in the source, internal mechanical layout, caliber hallmarks, and condition cannot be independently verified.

The catalog date for the watch is given as 'Circa 1880'. Without specific hallmarking details, maker stamps, or archival records reported in the source text, this date remains an approximate auctioneer estimate.

Evidence for this section
  • “An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch”
  • “Movement: Cylinder”
  • “Date: Circa 1880”

Open research questions

  • What hallmarks, assay stamps, or sponsor marks are struck inside the 18K gold case back or cuvette?
  • Does the cylinder movement bear any maker signatures, serial numbers, or country of origin markings?
  • Does the 9K gold chain bear assay marks or maker stamps on its links, swivel clasp, or T-bar?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch with 9K gold chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K gold“An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch”
DateCirca 1880“Date: Circa 1880”
Movement TypeCylinder“Movement: Cylinder”
DialWhite“Dial: White”
CasePolished round, No.6577“Case: Polished round, No.6577”
Size34mm“Size: 34mm”
Accompaniments9K gold chain“Accompaniments: 9K gold chain”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman hour markers and minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds register above 6 o'clock
  • Yellow gold open-face case with top bow and knurled winding crown
  • Yellow gold chain with elongated links, swivel clasp, and T-bar

Research qualifications

  • No maker or brand signature is visible on the dial or listed in the catalog description
  • Movement and interior case markings are not shown in the source photograph; cylinder escapement is source-reported

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : An 18K gold keyless wind open face pocket watch with 9K gold chain Circa 1880

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record bab35399f3

Terms in this record

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

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