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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunterd key-wound pocket watch

Charles Frodsham & Co. Yellow Gold Hunting Cased Key Wound Watch

Partially verified

According to Sotheby's, this key-wound hunting cased pocket watch by Charles Frodsham & Co. dates to circa 1865. The watch features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 56 mm in diameter with a hinged case back and a personally inscribed cuvette. Its white enamel dial displays Roman numeral hour markers, an up/down power reserve register below 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The source reports it is fitted with a three-quarter plate movement numbered 03386, matching the case number. The watch is accompanied by a presentation box and winding key.

Charles Frodsham & Co. 18k yellow gold hunting cased pocket watch, open front view showing the dial
Charles Frodsham & Co. 18k yellow gold hunting cased pocket watch, open front view showing the dial — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunterd key-wound pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
82
Source-reported date
circa 1865
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
03386

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

Dial and Visual Configuration

Visual observation shows a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track. An up/down power reserve dial is situated below 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds register is located at 6 o'clock.

The dial is signed 'CHARLES FRODSHAM' above an italicized signature and movement number. In the photograph, the front hunting cover hinges to the left and opens horizontally relative to the 3 o'clock pendant and bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.”
  • “Subsidiary up/down power reserve dial positioned below 12 o'clock and subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.”
  • “The dial is signed 'CHARLES FRODSHAM' above an italicized signature and movement number.”
  • “The front hunting cover is hinged to the left and opens horizontally relative to the 3 o'clock pendant and bow.”

Case Details and Catalogued Markings

The source lists the case as an 18k yellow gold hunting case with a diameter of 56 mm, featuring a hinged case back and a personally inscribed cuvette.

The catalog records both the case and the movement under number 03386. The signing is described as 'dial and movement signed by maker, case numbered'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18k yellow gold hunting case, personally inscribed cuvette, hinged case back”
  • “Case number: 03386”
  • “Movement number: 03386”
  • “Size: diameter 56 mm”
  • “Signed: dial and movement signed by maker, case numbered”

Reported Movement and Accessories

The auction entry describes the watch as a key-wound watch with power reserve indication dating to circa 1865, powered by a three-quarter plate movement.

The source lists accessories comprising a Charles Frodsham & Co. presentation box and a winding key. Neither the internal movement, the inscribed cuvette, nor the accompanying box and key are visible in the provided photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “A YELLOW GOLD HUNTING CASED KEY WOUND WATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATION CIRCA 1865”
  • “Caliber: three quarter plate movement”
  • “Accessories: Charles Frodsham & Co. presentation box, winding key”

Open research questions

  • What is the exact text and date of the personal inscription on the cuvette?
  • What hallmarks and casemaker stamps are present inside the 18k gold hunting case covers?
  • What are the specific technical specifications of movement 03386 (such as escapement type and balance assembly)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Frodsham & Co. Yellow Gold Hunting Cased Key Wound Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number03386“Movement number: 03386”
Case Material18k yellow gold“Case: 18k yellow gold hunting case, personally inscribed cuvette, hinged case back”
Case Number03386“Case number: 03386”
Diameter56 mm“Size: diameter 56 mm”
DialWhite enamel“Dial: white enamel”
CaliberThree quarter plate movement“Caliber: three quarter plate movement”
AccompanimentsCharles Frodsham & Co. presentation box, winding key“Accessories: Charles Frodsham & Co. presentation box, winding key”
Power ReserveIndication present“A YELLOW GOLD HUNTING CASED KEY WOUND WATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATION CIRCA 1865”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary up/down power reserve dial positioned below 12 o'clock and subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
  • The front hunting cover is hinged to the left and opens horizontally relative to the 3 o'clock pendant and bow.
  • The dial is signed 'CHARLES FRODSHAM' above an italicized signature and movement number.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and cuvette inscription mentioned in the catalogue text are not visible in the photograph.
  • The presentation box and winding key are not depicted in the image.

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

Consulted source

Charles Frodsham & Co | A Yellow Gold Hunting Cased Key Wound Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c4b32aad18

Terms in this record

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