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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Continental gold skeletonised key-wind quarter-repeating pocket watch

Partially verified

This circa 1820 Continental open-face pocket watch features a 54 mm gold case with an engraved case back numbered 9179P&SK8173 to the interior. The watch is powered by a gilt full-plate key-wind lever movement equipped with a push-button quarter repeater and a pierced, engraved balance cock. The front is fitted with a white enamel chapter ring displaying black Arabic numeral hour markers and outer minute divisions around an open skeletonised centre revealing repeating work and wheel train components.

Dial and skeletonised front view of the Continental quarter-repeating pocket watch
Dial and skeletonised front view of the Continental quarter-repeating pocket watch — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1685
Source-reported date
Circa 1820
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
9179P&SK8173

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 Markings

The timepiece is housed in a 54 mm gold case. The case back is engraved and is numbered on the interior as 9179P&SK8173.

Condition reporting notes that the case exhibits wear and a loss of definition to the engraving, which the source suggests may be caused by over-polishing, and notes that the gauge of the gold case back is thin.

Evidence for this section
  • “engraved cased back numbered to the interior 9179P&SK8173”
  • “case diameter 54mm”
  • “case with wear and loss of definition to engraving likely caused by over polishing, gauge of gold case back is thin.”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a white enamel dial with a skeletonised centre. The chapter ring displays black Arabic numeral hour markers and outer minute divisions.

Inspection under a 10x loupe shows hairline cracks and small chips on the enamel dial. The hands show signs of verdigris, which the source describes as appearing to have water damage.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial with skeletonised centre”
  • “black Arabic numeral hour markers with outer minute divisions”
  • “white enamel dial with hairline cracks and small chips visible under 10x loupe”
  • “hands appear to have water damage with verdigris”

Movement and Complications

The watch is powered by a gilt full-plate lever movement, which includes a pierced and engraved balance cock. It is designed as a key-wind quarter-repeater.

According to the source, the movement runs when wound, and the push-button repeater appears to be in working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt full plate lever movement, pierced and engraved balance cock”
  • “Movement runs when wound, push button repeat appears to be in working order”

Open research questions

  • Does the sequence '9179P&SK8173' represent a singular serial number or a composite marking of separate watchmaker or casing identifiers?
  • What specific workshop or regional style is indicated by the pierced and engraved balance cock design typical of 'Continental' watches from this period?
  • Can the wear pattern on the gold case be cross-referenced with regional assay marks or hallmarks obscured by the reported over-polishing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Continental gold skeletonised key-wind quarter-repeating pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement typeGilt full plate lever movement“Gilt full plate lever movement”
Case diameter54mm“case diameter 54mm”
ComplicationQuarter repeating“QUARTER REPEATING POCKET WATCH”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel dial with skeletonised centre“white enamel dial with skeletonised centre”
Internal case number9179P&SK8173“engraved cased back numbered to the interior 9179P&SK8173”
Approximate DatingCirca 1820“Circa 1820”

Visible details

  • White enamel chapter ring displays cursive black Arabic numerals and minute marks around a skeletonised centre.
  • Central aperture reveals under-dial repeat levers, wheels, and polished steel screws.
  • Gold case incorporates a top pendant, rounded bow, and an integrated repeat push-piece.
  • Thin blued hands are visible mounted over the center arbor.

Research qualifications

  • Maker and specific country of origin are not identified in the auction record.
  • Internal movement plates, balance cock, and case interior markings are not visible in the front-facing photograph.
  • Source notes hairline cracks and chips on the enamel dial visible under loupe, verdigris on hands, and wear to back engraving.

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record e9695c58a4

Terms in this record

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

Other quarter repeating pocket watch records