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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Columbus Watch Co. 15J Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch was produced by the Columbus Watch Co. with an estimated production year of circa 1887 reported by the auctioneer. The watch is cased in yellow-tone 14k gold filled metal with foliate engraving near the pendant and along the band. It features a white dial displaying black Roman numeral hours, an outer minute ring, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, signed 'Columbus' inside a scroll banner. The cataloguer reports the movement is marked '95930 - Adjusted - Safety Pinion - Col. Watch Co. - Columbus, OH.' with 15 jewels.

Front view of Columbus Watch Co. open face pocket watch
Front view of Columbus Watch Co. open face pocket watch — North American Auction Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Columbus Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
594
Source-reported date
circa 1887
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
95930

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 Construction and Exterior Markings

The timepiece is an open-face pocket watch in a yellow-tone case catalogued with dimensions of 2 7/8" x 2 1/8" x 5/8". The auction description reports a '14k gold filled construction'. Visual observations show decorative foliate engraving on the bezel and shoulders adjacent to the pendant, together with a fluted winding crown and an oval or circular bow.

According to the auctioneer, internal case markings comprise a scale pictomark along with serial number '1227666' stamped on both the case back and inner lid. While the cataloguer describes the exterior as showing 'good un-blemished condition', the interior case markings and outer case back are not visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “The measurements of this pocket watch is 2 7/8" x 2 1/8" x 5/8".”
  • “14k gold filled construction”
  • “back lid of the case and inner lid is marked with a scale pictomark and '1227666.'”
  • “exterior of the watch showing good un-blemished condition”

Dial Display

The watch is fitted with a white dial featuring black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track. A subsidiary seconds register is situated at the 6 o'clock position.

Time is marked by blued spade-style hour and minute hands. Below the 12 o'clock position, the dial is signed 'Columbus' flanked by decorative scrollwork, matching the cataloguer's note that 'The watch is marked on the face Columbus.'

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “Blued spade-style hour and minute hands.”
  • “The watch is marked on the face Columbus.”

Reported Movement and Operating Condition

The movement is not visible in the provided photograph, and all mechanical details are derived from the auctioneer's listing. The movement is reported to be marked '95930 - Adjusted - Safety Pinion - Col. Watch Co. - Columbus, OH.' and is described as having 15 jewels, with an estimated production date cited as 'circa estimated production year 1887'.

Regarding operating condition, the auction cataloguer notes that 'the watch wind is stuck and the watch doesn't run', rating the piece in 'fair overall condition'. These operational statements represent the seller's assessment and have not been independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “circa estimated production year 1887”
  • “shows 15 Jewels”
  • “The mechanism is marked as follows: 95930 - Adjusted - Safety Pinion - Col. Watch Co. - Columbus, OH.”
  • “the watch wind is stuck and the watch doesn't run but otherwise shows fair overall condition”

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Columbus Watch Co. 15J Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Estimated Production Datecirca 1887“circa estimated production year 1887”
Jewel Count15 Jewels“shows 15 Jewels”
Case Material14k gold filled“14k gold filled construction”
Movement Inscription95930 - Adjusted - Safety Pinion - Col. Watch Co. - Columbus, OH.“The mechanism is marked as follows: 95930 - Adjusted - Safety Pinion - Col. Watch Co. - Columbus, OH.”
Case Marking1227666“marked with a scale pictomark and '1227666.'”
Dimensions2 7/8" x 2 1/8" x 5/8"“The measurements of this pocket watch is 2 7/8" x 2 1/8" x 5/8".”
Estimated Production Yearcirca 1887“circa estimated production year 1887”
Case MarkingsScale pictomark and 1227666“back lid of the case and inner lid is marked with a scale pictomark and '1227666.'”
Overall Condition AssessmentFair (wind is stuck and does not run)“the watch wind is stuck and the watch doesn't run but otherwise shows fair overall condition”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position.
  • Dial signed 'Columbus' flanked by decorative scrollwork below 12 o'clock.
  • Blued spade-style hour and minute hands.
  • Engraved foliate details visible on the gold-tone case bezel and shoulders near the pendant.
  • Fluted winding crown with an oval or circular bow.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; jewel count and internal inscriptions rely entirely on cataloguer description.
  • Auctioneer notes the winding mechanism is stuck and the watch does not run.

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

Consulted source

Columbus Watch Co. 15J Pocket Watch c. 1887 sold at auction on 23rd September | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3ce11d2897

Terms in this record

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

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