Pocket watch · Key-wind open-face pocket watch

Antique French Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique French open-face pocket watch features a gold-toned case that the auctioneer reports tests as 18k, measuring approximately 41 mm across the dial and 44.45 mm overall. It is equipped with a key-wind mechanism and accompanied by a separate winding key. The white dial displays elongated black Roman numerals without a maker's mark. According to the auction cataloguer, internal French inscriptions describe a cylinder escapement, hardened escape wheel, and four ruby pivot holes, with the source noting that the original rubies have been replaced with screws.

Dial and case front of the open-face pocket watch with key in display box — Link Auction Galleries. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.liveauctioneers.com
Category: Pocket watch · Key-wind open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 0055
Source-reported date: Not established
Country: France
Source-reported serial: 54849-547

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

Physical Configuration

This is an open-face, key-wind pocket watch featuring an engraved exterior. The bezel and the top bow suspension display floral or foliate patterns.

The dial is white and features elongated black Roman numeral hour markers paired with slender dark hands. The watch is accompanied by a dual-ended winding key and is presented in a red velvet-lined box.

Evidence for this section

“Intricately engraved open face pocket watch.”
“Engraved floral or foliate pattern on the bezel and top bow suspension.”
“White dial with elongated black Roman hour numerals and slender dark hands.”

Mechanism and Reported Modifications

The auction cataloguer notes that the internal movement bears an inscription in French referencing a cylinder escapement, a hardened escape wheel, and four ruby pivot holes.

The source further states that these original rubies have been replaced with screws. These internal details are not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section

“Inscription in French 'Cylinder escapement, hardened escape wheel, four ruby pivot holes.'”
“Rubies have been replaced with screws.”

Materiality and Provenance

The watch does not display a maker's mark. The identification of the material as 18k gold is based on the auctioneer's reported testing results, as the item lacks visible hallmarks.

The item is associated with the reference number 54849-547.

Evidence for this section

“No makers mark.”
“Tests 18k.”
“#54849-547.”

Open research questions

What specific French inscription is present on the movement?
Can the serial number 54849-547 be verified against any manufacturer records?
What is the significance of the ruby-to-screw replacement in the context of cylinder escapement maintenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique French Open Face Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Escapement inscription	Cylinder escapement, hardened escape wheel, four ruby pivot holes	“Inscription in French 'Cylinder escapement, hardened escape wheel, four ruby pivot holes.'”
Material testing	Tests 18k	“Tests 18k.”
Case diameter	44.45 mm overall	“44.45mm overall with case.”
Dial diameter	41 mm	“face: 41.mm;”
Total weight	2.14 oz	“Total weight 2.14oz.”
Maker's mark	None	“No makers mark.”

Visible details

White dial with elongated black Roman hour numerals and slender dark hands.
Engraved floral or foliate pattern on the bezel and top bow suspension.
Presented alongside a dual-ended key inside a red velvet-lined box.

Research qualifications

The internal movement, cuvette inscriptions, and replaced screws are not visible in the photograph.
Country of origin and metal purity are based on source claims and testing rather than visible hallmarks.

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

Consulted source

Antique French Open Face Pocket Watch - Jul 17, 2026 | Link Auction Galleries In Mo

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4c34ca02c5

Terms in this record

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