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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key wind open face pocket watch

Barraud, London 18K gold key wind open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This is an 18K gold key-wind open-face pocket watch attributed to Barraud of London, which the source dates via a London hallmark to 1814. The watch features a white enamel dial with bold black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track with diamond-shaped quarter accents, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Blued steel hands indicate the time. The gold pendant reveals a clear hallmark cartouche beneath the bow.

Front view of Barraud 18K gold open-face pocket watch showing white dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds
Front view of Barraud 18K gold open-face pocket watch showing white dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key wind open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Barraud
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
10
Source-reported date
1814
Country
United Kingdom

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 Dating

This open-face pocket watch is attributed to the London-based maker Barraud. The dating of the object is established by its London hallmark, which the source identifies as corresponding to the year 1814.

The watch is constructed of 18K gold and features a polished consular case. The case is recorded as being stamped with the initials 'SB'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Barraud, London.”
  • “London Hallmark for 1814”
  • “Case: Polished consular”
  • “Signed: Movement, case stamped SB”

Dial and Visual Features

The timepiece features a white enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer minute track. A sunken subsidiary seconds register is positioned at the 6 o'clock position and displays Arabic numerals.

The watch is fitted with blued steel spade-style hands for the indication of hours, minutes, and subsidiary seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White enamel, black Roman numeral hour markers, black outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6, blued steel spade hands”

Mechanical Configuration

The movement is a key-wind mechanism, identified as a gilt full-plate English lever type that has been converted from an original duplex escapement. Additional features include a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance and a diamond end stone.

The movement is identified by the serial number 2458.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Gilt full plate English lever converted from duplex, cut and compensated bi-metallic balance, diamond end stone, No.2458”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the 'SB' mark on the case in relation to Barraud's workshops?
  • At what point in the object's history was the escapement conversion from duplex to lever performed?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Barraud, London 18K gold key wind open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBarraud“Barraud, London.”
Case Material18K gold“An 18K gold key wind open face pocket watch”
Hallmark Date1814“London Hallmark for 1814”
Lot Number10“Lot 10”
Case Size52mm“Size: 52mm”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic numerals.
  • Blued steel spade/poire hour hand, minute hand, and subsidiary seconds hand.
  • Gold pendant bearing an incuse '18' hallmark stamp below the bow.
  • Open-face circular gold case with polished bezel.

Research qualifications

  • The source text provided is limited to the lot title, leaving movement technical details and dimensions unstated.
  • Movement was not imaged in the provided photograph, so interior engraving and escapement details cannot be verified directly.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Barraud, London. An 18K gold key wind open face pocket watch London Hallmark for 1814

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1c07b9979e

Terms in this record

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