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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Pocket watch case

Antique Roy 14K Yellow Gold Octagonal Pocket Watch Case

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch case by Roy Watch Case Co. of Brooklyn, New York, is fashioned in 14-karat yellow gold with an octagonal profile. Catalogued as Lot 548, the case features an unadorned, plain exterior design complemented by a crystal, a winding crown, and a matching angular bow. According to the auction listing, the interior back cover is marked for Roy and indicates 14K 585/1000 fine gold alongside the serial number 858440. It measures approximately 1 5/8 by 2 1/8 by 3/8 inches overall and is proportioned to fit size 10s or 12s movements.

Back view of the Roy 14K yellow gold octagonal pocket watch case showing the winding crown and faceted bow
Back view of the Roy 14K yellow gold octagonal pocket watch case showing the winding crown and faceted bow — Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Component · Pocket watch case
Maker / attribution
Roy Watch Case Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
548
Source-reported date
Late 19th/first quarter 20th century
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
858440

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 Form and External Characteristics

The object is an open-face pocket watch case configured in an octagonal form. Direct visual observation reveals a flat, undecorated yellow gold back cover framed by beveled outer facets along the geometric edges. Visible surface condition includes light wear, minor nicks, and fine hairline scratches across the exterior plate.

Positioned at the top of the case is a vertically fluted winding crown fitted with a matching faceted bow that echoes the angular geometry of the octagonal body. The auction listing records the lot as an open-face case featuring a crystal, crown, and bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “Octagonal yellow gold case back showing light surface wear and fine hairline scratches.”
  • “Geometric faceted bow situated above a vertically fluted crown.”
  • “Plain, undecorated flat back cover with beveled outer facets.”
  • “featuring crystal, crown, and bow.”

Interior Markings and Manufacture

The auction catalog reports that the interior back case cover is stamped "ROY / 14K 585/1000 FINE / 858440". The maker is identified in the listing as Roy Watch Case Co., Brooklyn, NY, accompanied by a parenthetical active range of 1885–1929.

The seller dates the casing to the late 19th or first quarter of the 20th century. The listing states a total weight of 23.1 grams, specifying that this figure includes non-gold components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Interior back case cover marked "ROY / 14K 585/1000 FINE / 858440"”
  • “Roy Watch Case Co., Brooklyn, NY (active 1885-1929).”
  • “Late 19th/first quarter 20th century.”
  • “Total weight including non-gold components: 23.1 grams.”

Sizing and Cataloguing Constraints

Overall dimensions are catalogued as 1 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 3/8" OA, with the source noting that the case fits an approximate watch size of 10s or 12s. No movement or dial is included in the lot.

Because only the closed exterior back cover and pendant area are visible in the provided reference photograph, the reported crystal, interior markings, and internal lip are not recorded in this view and rely entirely on the auction cataloguer's transcription. The seller's assessment of "Excellent overall condition" is preserved as a vendor claim rather than verified fact.

Evidence for this section
  • “1 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 3/8" OA, fits approximate watch size 10s or 12s.”
  • “Condition Excellent overall condition with minor wear, surface scratches, and nicks.”

Open research questions

  • What specific closure mechanism (snap-on or screw back/bezel) does the case utilize?
  • What is the net weight of the 14K gold case excluding the crystal, crown core, and any movement springs or spacers?
  • Which movement manufacturer or specific caliber was the case originally machined to house?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Roy 14K Yellow Gold Octagonal Pocket Watch Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Interior MarkingsROY / 14K 585/1000 FINE / 858440“Interior back case cover marked "ROY / 14K 585/1000 FINE / 858440"”
MakerRoy Watch Case Co., Brooklyn, NY“Roy Watch Case Co., Brooklyn, NY (active 1885-1929).”
Overall Dimensions1 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 3/8" OA“1 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 3/8" OA”
Total Weight23.1 grams“Total weight including non-gold components: 23.1 grams.”
Movement Fit10s or 12s“fits approximate watch size 10s or 12s.”
Seller Stated DateLate 19th/first quarter 20th century“Late 19th/first quarter 20th century.”
Seller Stated ConditionExcellent overall condition with minor wear, surface scratches, and nicks“Condition Excellent overall condition with minor wear, surface scratches, and nicks.”

Visible details

  • Octagonal yellow gold case back showing light surface wear and fine hairline scratches.
  • Geometric faceted bow situated above a vertically fluted crown.
  • Plain, undecorated flat back cover with beveled outer facets.

Research qualifications

  • Interior markings and crystal face are not visible in the provided photograph; all interior details are source-reported.
  • Movement not included; offered as an empty case.

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

Consulted source

ANTIQUE ROY 14K YELLOW GOLD OCTAGONAL POCKET WATCH CASE sold at auction on 16th October | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8df87ad02c

Terms in this record

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

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