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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Karrusel deck watch

Bahne Bonniksen / Newsome & Co 18K gold karrusel deck watch chronometer

Partially verified

This English deck watch chronometer dates to 1896, bearing London hallmarks and housed in an 18-karat gold hunting case measuring approximately 53 mm in diameter with a weight of roughly 141 grams. The movement features a Bahne Bonniksen carousel mechanism fitted with screwed gold chatons and a diamond endstone. The backplate bears engravings identifying the retailer as Newsome & Co London, Makers to the Admiralty. According to the auction catalogue, the case, movement, and original enamel dial share matching serial number 129956, and the dial is inscribed Kew Observatory Certificate Class A.

Movement view of the Bahne Bonniksen carousel deck watch in open 18K gold case
Movement view of the Bahne Bonniksen carousel deck watch in open 18K gold case — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Karrusel deck watch
Maker / attribution
Bahne Bonniksen / Newsome & Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4252
Source-reported date
1896
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
129956

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

Identity and Attribution

The lot description attributes this English deck watch chronometer to Bahne Bonniksen and retailer Newsome & Co London, dating the piece via London hallmarks to 1896. According to the auction entry, the case, movement, and dial share the matching serial number 129956.

The auctioneer records that the watch was "sold by the Royal chronometer maker Newsome & Co London" and identifies the caliber as a "Bahne Bonniksen carousel movement".

Evidence for this section
  • “hallmarks London 1896, very fine Bahne Bonniksen carousel movement”
  • “case, movement and dial with matching numbers 129956”
  • “sold by the Royal chronometer maker Newsome & Co London”

Movement Construction and Engravings

Visual observation of the open movement reveals a rotating carousel carriage fitted with a balance wheel, regulator index, and diamond endstone. A screwed chaton securing the center jewel and blued steel screws are visible on the top plate.

The visible gilt plate is engraved "MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY" and "Newsome & Co.", with serial number 129956 engraved near the carousel aperture. The catalogue description further states that the movement features "screwed gold chatons" on a signed main plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open movement view displaying a rotating carousel carriage with balance wheel, regulator index, and diamond endstone.”
  • “Blued steel screws and screwed chaton securing the center jewel on the top plate.”
  • “Gilt movement plate engraved 'MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY' and 'Newsome & Co.'”
  • “Serial number 129956 faintly engraved on the top plate near the carousel aperture.”
  • “main plate signed, diamond endstone, screwed gold chatons”

Case and Dial Specifications

The movement is set in an 18-karat gold hunting case with an open hinged gold cuvette/caseback, fluted crown, and pendant bow visible in the lot photograph. The auction catalogue lists dimensions of approximately 53 mm in diameter and a gross weight of approximately 141 grams.

While the front dial and hands are not visible in the supplied visual observation, the auction description reports an "original enamel dial, gold hands" inscribed "Kew Observatory Certificate Class A", adding that the watch "comes with chronometer certification." Claims of condition or working order are noted as seller descriptions.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ca. Ø 53 mm, ca. 141 g, 18 K gold, very solid hunting case”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette/caseback open, showing fluted crown and pendant bow.”
  • “original enamel dial, gold hands, dial inscribed Kew Observatory Certificate Class A”
  • “This watch comes with chronometer certification.”

Open research questions

  • Does the physical Kew Observatory Class A certificate document accompany the lot, and what score or trial dates are recorded on it?
  • What specific hallmark symbols and maker's sponsor mark are struck inside the case lids?
  • What is the rotation period of the Bahne Bonniksen karrusel carriage on movement 129956?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bahne Bonniksen / Newsome & Co 18K gold karrusel deck watch chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial Number129956“case, movement and dial with matching numbers 129956”
Case Material18K gold“18 K gold, very solid hunting case”
Hallmarks and DateLondon 1896“hallmarks London 1896”
Movement MechanismBahne Bonniksen carousel“very fine Bahne Bonniksen carousel movement”
Certification InscriptionKew Observatory Certificate Class A“dial inscribed Kew Observatory Certificate Class A”
Reported Dimensions and WeightCa. Ø 53 mm, ca. 141 g“Ca. Ø 53 mm, ca. 141 g, 18 K gold, very solid hunting case”
Reported Dial and HandsEnamel dial with gold hands“original enamel dial, gold hands, dial inscribed Kew Observatory Certificate Class A”

Visible details

  • Open movement view displaying a rotating carousel carriage with balance wheel, regulator index, and diamond endstone.
  • Gilt movement plate engraved 'MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY' and 'Newsome & Co.'
  • Serial number 129956 faintly engraved on the top plate near the carousel aperture.
  • Blued steel screws and screwed chaton securing the center jewel on the top plate.
  • Hinged gold cuvette/caseback open, showing fluted crown and pendant bow.

Research qualifications

  • The front dial face and hands are not visible in the provided image.
  • Current mechanical performance and accuracy are unverified.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Pocket watch: very fine English deck watch chronometer with Carousel, Kew Observatory Class A, No. 129956, Bahne Bonniksen/Newsome & Co London, 1896 (NO LIVE FEE)

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3d5c15e915

Terms in this record

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

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