Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Antique 19th Century 9ct Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique open-faced pocket watch is reported by the seller to date from the 19th century and feature a 9ct gold case weighing 46.3 grams. The front is decorated with a fine concentric engine-turned pattern across the wide bezel. Its light-toned dial displays stylized open Arabic numerals, an outer chapter ring with minute divisions, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. The blued steel hands include an open spade/poire-tipped hour hand. According to the listing, the case back features engine-turned engraving with a central shield motif.

Front view of the 9ct gold open-faced pocket watch showing the engine-turned bezel, Arabic numeral dial, and blued hands
Front view of the 9ct gold open-faced pocket watch showing the engine-turned bezel, Arabic numeral dial, and blued hands — Bushells Antiques via Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1520925
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
19th century
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

Case Construction and Exterior Decoration

The pocket watch is configured in an open-faced format and is reported by the seller to be a 9ct gold case with a weight of 46.3 grams. Visible inspection of the front shows a prominent broad bezel decorated with a concentric engine-turned pattern, a fluted winding crown surmounted by a rounded bow, and an external hinge visible at the 6 o'clock position.

The listing further notes that the case is machine-engraved with shield detail to the centre of the back. Direct imagery of the case back, interior covers, and any assay hallmarks is not documented in the provided source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “19th Century 9ct Gold Open Faced Machine Engraved Pocket Watch”
  • “With Shield Detail To Centre Of Back”
  • “Weight: 46.3”
  • “Concentric engine-turned pattern decorating the broad front bezel”
  • “Fluted crown surmounted by a rounded bow and a bottom case hinge visible at 6 o'clock”

Dial and Hands

The dial is light-toned with open Arabic numerals and an outer railroad-style track. A subsidiary seconds register is situated at 6 o'clock with Arabic ten-second numerals.

The handset is visible as blued steel, including an open spade-tipped hour hand. Although the listing text states 'With Turquoise Hands', visible examination confirms blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light-toned dial with open Arabic numerals and railroad-style outer track”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock with Arabic ten-second numerals”
  • “Blued steel hands including an open spade-tipped hour hand”
  • “With Turquoise Hands”

Period Attribution and Movement Documentation

The listing assigns the pocket watch to the 19th century under the reference ID 1520925. The specific maker, exact date, and country of origin are not identified in the source text.

Internal components—such as the movement caliber, escapement type, jewel count, and inner cuvette markings—are not pictured or described in the listing record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Period: 19th century”
  • “Reference (ID): 1520925”

Open research questions

  • What hallmarks, sponsor marks, or assay office stamps appear on the inner case back and cuvette to verify the 9ct gold purity and production year?
  • What caliber and mechanical configuration (escapement, jewel count, winding mechanism) does the movement have, and is it signed by a maker or unsigned?
  • Is the shield detail on the case back plain or engraved with a monogram or crest?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique 19th Century 9ct Gold Open Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material9ct Gold“19th Century 9ct Gold Open Faced Machine Engraved Pocket Watch”
Case decorationShield detail to centre of back“With Shield Detail To Centre Of Back”
HandsTurquoise hands“With Turquoise Hands”
Weight46.3 g“Weight: 46.3”
Period19th century“Period: 19th century”
Reference ID1520925“Reference (ID): 1520925”
MaterialGold (reported as 9ct)“19th Century 9ct Gold Open Faced Machine Engraved Pocket Watch”
Weight46.3“Weight: 46.3”

Visible details

  • Concentric engine-turned pattern decorating the broad front bezel
  • Light-toned dial with open Arabic numerals and railroad-style outer track
  • Subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock with Arabic ten-second numerals
  • Blued steel hands including an open spade-tipped hour hand
  • Fluted crown surmounted by a rounded bow and a bottom case hinge visible at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Maker, caliber, and country of origin are not specified in the listing.
  • Internal movement, cuvette, and hallmarks are not shown.
  • The 19th-century date and 9ct gold composition are dealer-reported.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Antique 19th Century 9ct Gold Open Faced Engine Turned Pocke

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 951c9cb9fa

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records