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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Watch fob chain

Antique 14k Gold and Ruby Watch Fob Chain

Partially verified

Source reports an antique watch fob chain fashioned from tested and stamped 14k yellow gold, featuring two round cabochon rubies described as red and slightly included. Measuring 5 5/8 inches in total length, the piece has an estimated gross weight of 27.4 grams. The decorative chain structure is formed of stylized, curvilinear openwork links connected along the span. It terminates at one end with a swivel clasp attached via short chain links, and at the other end with an ornate triangular element set with a cabochon ruby and bordered by scrolled accents.

Antique 14k yellow gold and ruby watch fob chain showing scrolled openwork links, terminal, and swivel clasp
Antique 14k yellow gold and ruby watch fob chain showing scrolled openwork links, terminal, and swivel clasp — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Component · Watch fob chain
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3010
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

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

Form and Visual Assembly

The object is configured as a watch fob chain measuring a recorded length of 5 5/8 in. As observed, stylized openwork scrolled gold links form the primary decorative span of the assembly.

At one terminus, the lower end features a triangular pendant element with scrolled flourishes and a bezel-set cabochon ruby. At the opposite end, a swivel clasp is joined at the upper end by a short section of chain links.

Evidence for this section
  • “Length 5 5/8 in.”
  • “Stylized openwork scrolled gold links form the primary decorative span.”
  • “The lower end features a triangular pendant element with scrolled flourishes and a bezel-set cabochon ruby.”
  • “A swivel clasp is joined at the upper end by a short section of chain links.”

Materials and Gemstones

The piece is made of 14k yellow gold, with auction documentation recording that the metal is stamped and tested for 14k gold. The estimated gross weight of the item is reported as 27.4 grams.

The fob is set with two round cabochon rubies. In the catalog footnote, the rubies are described as red, slightly included.

Evidence for this section
  • “14k yellow gold”
  • “Metal stamped and tested for 14k gold”
  • “Estimated gross weight: 27.4 grams”
  • “Two round cabochon rubies”
  • “Rubies: red, slightly included”

Condition Reporting and Documentation Limits

The auction catalog reports the piece in overall condition, very good. It further notes superficial wear in the form of minor scratches, as well as wear commensurate with age including abrasions and oxidation to the metal.

The source lists the piece under the title ANTIQUE 14K GOLD AND RUBY WATCH FOB CHAIN without providing a specific maker, date, or geographic origin. Because only a single frontal photograph is supplied, reverse markings, stamps, and construction details are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overall condition, very good”
  • “Superficial wear in the form of minor scratches”
  • “Wear commensurate with age including abrasions and oxidation to the metal”
  • “ANTIQUE 14K GOLD AND RUBY WATCH FOB CHAIN”

Open research questions

  • Where on the piece is the 14k stamp located, and does it include a maker's mark or assay hallmark?
  • Are the rubies natural or synthetic, and have they undergone any enhancement treatments?
  • Can comparative design records from late 19th- or early 20th-century jewelry manufacturers identify the specific workshop responsible for the scrollwork pattern?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique 14k Gold and Ruby Watch Fob Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Metal14k yellow gold“14k yellow gold”
GemstonesTwo round cabochon rubies“Two round cabochon rubies”
Length5 5/8 in.“Length 5 5/8 in.”
Estimated Gross Weight27.4 grams“Estimated gross weight: 27.4 grams”
Overall ConditionVery good“Overall condition, very good”
Gemstone DetailsRed, slightly included“Rubies: red, slightly included”
Metal TestingStamped and tested for 14k gold“Metal stamped and tested for 14k gold”
Gross WeightEstimated 27.4 grams“Estimated gross weight: 27.4 grams”
Reported ConditionVery good, with minor scratches, abrasions, and oxidation“Wear commensurate with age including abrasions and oxidation to the metal”

Visible details

  • Stylized openwork scrolled gold links form the primary decorative span.
  • The lower end features a triangular pendant element with scrolled flourishes and a bezel-set cabochon ruby.
  • A swivel clasp is joined at the upper end by a short section of chain links.

Research qualifications

  • The maker and specific date of manufacture are not stated by the source.
  • Only one side is visible in the photograph, leaving the reverse side and any maker's marks unverified.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : ANTIQUE 14K GOLD AND RUBY WATCH FOB CHAIN

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 07aa3d6c4c

Terms in this record

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

Other watch fob chain records