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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Aurora Watch Co., Webb C. Ball pocket watch movement

Partially verified

This item is an open-face pocket watch catalogued by Bonhams under Lot 82 as featuring a movement produced by the Aurora Watch Company of Aurora, Illinois. The auction title identifies movement number 81657, reportedly signed on both the movement and dial for Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, Ohio. In the provided photograph, the white dial shows black Arabic numerals, an outer minute ring, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and central script for Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.

Dial and case front view of the open face pocket watch
Dial and case front view of the open face pocket watch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Aurora Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
82
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
81657

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

Object Identity and Reported Movement

In the auction title and catalogue entry, this lot is identified as a pocket watch movement produced by Aurora Watch Co. of Aurora, Illinois, catalogued under Lot 82. The source records movement number 81657 and notes that it is signed for Webb C. Ball of Cleveland, Ohio.

The auction title states that the piece is 'signed on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.' However, the movement itself is not depicted in the available photograph, and mechanical specifications such as calibre, jewel count, and plate layout are not recorded in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Aurora Watch Co., Aurora IL. A rare Ball watch movementNo. 81657, signed on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.”
  • “Lot 82 Aurora Watch Co., Aurora IL. A rare Ball watch movement No. 81657, signed on m”

Case and Dial Configuration

Direct visual observation of the provided photograph shows an open-face pocket watch case fitted with a ribbed winding crown and a rounded bow positioned at 3 o'clock. The white dial is marked with italicized black Arabic numeral hour markers and an outer minute track.

A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position and retains a blued steel seconds hand. The hour and minute hands are absent from the central arbor. Below the 12 o'clock position, the dial displays the script signature 'Webb C. Ball Cleveland, O.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Open-face pocket watch case with ribbed winding crown and rounded bow at 3 o'clock”
  • “White dial featuring italicized black Arabic numeral hour markers and outer minute calibrations”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with a remaining blued steel seconds hand”
  • “Central hour and minute hands are absent from the center arbor”
  • “Dial is signed below 12 o'clock with 'Webb C. Ball Cleveland, O.'”

Source Documentation and Condition Incomplete

The lot description in the source text terminates mid-phrase at 'signed on m', leaving additional technical details, case material, and movement descriptions unrecorded.

Physical inspection of the image indicates that the central hour and minute hands are missing, while the case interior and the movement itself are not shown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 82 Aurora Watch Co., Aurora IL. A rare Ball watch movement No. 81657, signed on m”
  • “Central hour and minute hands are absent from the center arbor”

Open research questions

  • What specific calibre, size, plate layout, and jewel count are present on Aurora Watch Co. movement No. 81657?
  • What metal and maker markings, if any, are stamped inside the pocket watch case back?
  • Is the movement configured for lever-setting or pendant-setting?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Aurora Watch Co., Webb C. Ball pocket watch movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number82“Lot 82”
Maker / LocationAurora Watch Co., Aurora IL“Aurora Watch Co., Aurora IL.”
Movement Serial Number81657“No. 81657”
Signaturessigned on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.“signed on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.”
Reported Signaturessigned on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.“signed on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.”

Visible details

  • Open-face pocket watch case with ribbed winding crown and rounded bow at 3 o'clock
  • White dial featuring italicized black Arabic numeral hour markers and outer minute calibrations
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with a remaining blued steel seconds hand
  • Central hour and minute hands are absent from the center arbor
  • Dial is signed below 12 o'clock with 'Webb C. Ball Cleveland, O.'

Research qualifications

  • The movement itself is not depicted in the provided photograph
  • The listing body text is truncated after 'signed on m'
  • Hour and minute hands appear to be missing

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Aurora Watch Co., Aurora IL. A rare Ball watch movementNo. 81657, signed on movement and dial, Webb C. Ball, Cleveland, O.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record aaa447416b

Terms in this record

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

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