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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer

Charles Frodsham 18K Gold Pocket Chronometer

Partially verified

This 18K gold pocket chronometer, bearing the serial number 03210, was produced by Charles Frodsham of 84, Strand, London. The case is hallmarked for 1865-1866. It features a three-body "bassine et filets" design with engine-turned decorations and a reeded band. The movement is an 18-ligne, frosted and gilt three-quarter plate construction, incorporating a fusee with chain and maintaining power, a spring footed-detent, and an Earnshaw's chronometer escapement. The timepiece includes a free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold adjustment screws and a blued steel helical balance spring. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, and a power-reserve indication. The cuvette bears a dedication to Captain William Watts for seamanship displayed in January 1875. The total diameter is 48.5 mm, and the timepiece is signed on both the dial and the movement.

Front view of the 18K gold pocket chronometer, showing the white enamel dial with power-reserve indicator, subsidiary seconds, and Charles Frodsham signature.
Front view of the 18K gold pocket chronometer, showing the white enamel dial with power-reserve indicator, subsidiary seconds, and Charles Frodsham signature. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
315
Source-reported date
1865-1866
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
03210

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 and Inscription

The timepiece is housed in a three-body "bassine et filets" case, which features an engine-turned exterior finish with polished borders and a reeded band. The case mastermark is identified as TH. It holds a fixed gold cuvette, which serves as a canvas for a dedicated engraving.

The engraving commemorates the service of Captain William Watts of the steamer Lady Wodehouse. It states the watch was a presentation from the vessel's underwriters in recognition of his seamanship displayed on the 24th and 25th of January 1875.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, "bassine et filets", mastermark TH”
  • “Fixed gold cuvette engraved "Presented to Capt.n William Watts by the Underwriters of The Steamer Lady Wodehouse”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is an 18-ligne, frosted and gilt three-quarter plate design. It utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism equipped with maintaining power. The chronometer utilizes an Earnshaw's escapement, specifically a spring footed-detent type.

Further technical components include a free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance, which utilizes gold meantime and temperature adjustment screws. A blued steel helical balance spring provides regulation, while the movement is further accented by a diamond endstone and jewels set in screwed chatons.

Evidence for this section
  • “spring footed-detent, Earnshaw's chronometer escapement”
  • “free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold meantime and temperature adjustment screws”

Dial and Condition

The white enamel dial features black radial Roman numerals for the hours, complemented by an outer minute track. Additional complications include a subsidiary seconds dial and a power-reserve indicator, which occupies a prominent position on the dial. The time is indicated by blued steel pear hands.

The auction description notes the condition of the object, assigning it a general grade of AA.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds and power reserve indication.”
  • “Blued steel pear hands.”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What specific incident occurred on January 24th-25th 1875 involving the Lady Wodehouse that necessitated the Captain's intervention?
  • Are there surviving records within the B&I Steam Packet Company archive relating to the presentation of this watch to Captain Watts?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Frodsham 18K Gold Pocket Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCharles Frodsham, 84, Strand, London“Charles Frodsham, 84, Strand, London”
HallmarksLondon hallmarks for 1865-1866“The case with London hallmarks for 1865-1866.”
InscriptionDedication to Captain William Watts“Presented to Capt.n William Watts by the Underwriters of The Steamer Lady Wodehouse”
Diameter48.5 mm“Diam. 48.5 mm.”
CaseThree-body, bassine et filets“Three-body, "bassine et filets”
Serial Number03210“AD.FMSZ No. 03210”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds and power reserve indicator
  • Blued steel pear-shaped hands
  • Reeded decorative band on the case edge
  • Engine-turned pattern on the case back

Research qualifications

  • Nature of the specific 1875 seamanship act by Captain Watts remains unrecorded
  • Auction description recommends an overhaul for the movement

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

Consulted source

Power-Reserve Indication - Maritime Interest Charles Frodsham, 84, Strand, London, AD.FMSZ No. 03210. The case with London hallmarks for 1865-1866. Very fine and rare, 18K gold pocket chronometer with spring footed-detent escapement and power-reserve indication. Presented to Captain William Watts of the steamer "Lady Wodehouse" by the Underwriters for the seamanship displayed by him on 24th & 25th January 1875.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 10bcb4e00b

Terms in this record

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

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