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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch

Charles Frodsham 18k gold keyless wind half hunter repeater and chronograph pocket watch

Partially verified

This 18-carat gold keyless wind half hunter pocket watch was produced by Charles Frodsham in London in 1901. It is identified by serial number 08871. The watch features a complex mechanical movement comprising both a repeater and a chronograph function, equipped with a bimetallic split balance and an overcoil balance spring. The casing has a hinged design with a 53mm diameter, finished in 18-carat gold. The front cover features a blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring, while the reverse is engraved with the crest of Joseph Arderne Ormerod. The watch has a gross weight of 189g. Both the interior white dial and the movement are signed by the maker. The watch is currently reported to be in a non-working condition with significant rust present within the movement, though the balance appears intact.

Front view of the Charles Frodsham 18k gold half hunter pocket watch showing the blue enamel chapter ring.
Front view of the Charles Frodsham 18k gold half hunter pocket watch showing the blue enamel chapter ring. — Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1901
Source-reported place
London
Source-reported serial
08871

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

Casing and Design

The watch is housed in an 18-carat gold half hunter case measuring 53mm in diameter. The design features a hinged mechanism and incorporates a distinctive blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring on the front cover. The reverse side of the case bears an engraving of the crest of Joseph Arderne Ormerod, identifying a specific historical owner.

The gross weight of the object is 189g, reflecting the substantial construction required to house the internal mechanisms. The use of gold throughout the casing signifies the premium construction intended by the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “The exterior casing is crafted from 18-carat gold with a hinged design, measuring 53mm in diameter.”
  • “The front cover displays a blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring, while the reverse is engraved with the crest of Joseph Arderne Ormerod.”

Movement and Complications

The timepiece is powered by a keyless wind movement that incorporates two major horological complications: a repeater and a chronograph.

The watch is signed by Charles Frodsham on the movement. The auction description reports that while the balance appears intact, the movement displays significant rust and is not in working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch features a complex mechanical movement, including a repeater and chronograph function, with a bimetallic split balance and an overcoil balance spring.”
  • “the movement currently exhibits significant rust and is not in working condition.”

Dial and Identification

The internal dial is finished in white and serves as the primary interface for the watch's timekeeping and chronograph functions. Both the dial and the internal movement bear the signature of the maker, Charles Frodsham, ensuring consistent attribution across the object's components.

The watch is uniquely identified by the serial number 08871. This identifier, combined with the presence of the crest of Joseph Arderne Ormerod, provides a clear provenance for this specific example produced in 1901. These marks serve as the primary evidence for the object's history and manufacturing origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “The interior contains a white dial.”
  • “The watch is identified by serial number 08871. Both the dial and movement are signed by the maker.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the rust damage and its impact on the repeating mechanism's functionality?
  • Are there additional archival records or horological ledgers that detail the production or sale of serial number 08871 by Charles Frodsham in 1901?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Frodsham 18k gold keyless wind half hunter repeater and chronograph pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCharles Frodsham“produced by Charles Frodsham”
Material18 carat gold“18-carat gold”
Date1901“London 1901”
Diameter53mm“measuring 53mm in diameter”
Weight189g“gross weight of 189g”
ConditionNon-working, significant rust“movement currently exhibits significant rust and is not in working condition”

Visible details

  • Blue enamel Roman numeral chapter ring on the front cover
  • Engraved crest of Joseph Arderne Ormerod on the reverse
  • White interior dial
  • Hinged half hunter gold casing

Research qualifications

  • The movement status is reported as non-working due to significant rust
  • The extent of the damage beyond visible rust is not fully detailed in the source

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

Consulted source

Charles Frodsham 18k gold keyless wind half hunter repeater and chronograph pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1e9c438440

Terms in this record

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

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