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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

Eastern Watch Case Co. 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch, Criterion movement

Partially verified

This antique half hunter pocket watch is housed in a 9-carat gold case hallmarked for Birmingham by the Eastern Watch Case Company (E.W.C.Co). The front cover possesses a central circular glazed viewing aperture bordered by black Roman numerals. The white enamel dial beneath is source-reported as signed Criterion, featuring black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The source states the watch contains a 15-jewel Swiss keyless winding movement adjusted to two positions and branded Criterion. According to the seller, the case measures approximately 50 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 90.6 grams.

Front view of the closed 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch showing the glazed aperture and Roman numerals
Front view of the closed 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch showing the glazed aperture and Roman numerals — Bushells Antiques via Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Eastern Watch Case Company (case) / Criterion (movement)
Reference
1706840
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 19th / early 20th century
Country
United Kingdom

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

Visible Case Construction and External Features

The pocket watch is configured in a half hunter format, constructed with smooth polished yellow gold exterior surfaces showing minor surface wear. At the 12 o'clock position, a fluted winding crown is fitted with an attached bow.

The front protective cover features a central circular glazed viewing aperture bordered by black enameled Roman numerals. Through this glazed opening, blued steel hands and portions of the underlying white enamel dial are visible while the cover remains closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case exterior shows smooth polished yellow gold surfaces with minor surface wear.”
  • “The front cover features a circular glazed aperture , allowing the time to be read while the case remains closed, and is encircled by black Roman numerals , a hallmark of the half hunter style.”

Reported Case Hallmarks and Internal Dust Cover

According to the seller's listing, the case back is fully hallmarked with the gold standard marks '9' and '.375', the anchor symbol for the Birmingham Assay Office, and the sponsor mark 'E.W.C.Co' attributed to the Eastern Watch Case Company.

The source further states that the internal dust cover is also fashioned in 9ct gold. Dimensions and weight reported by the seller comprise an approximate diameter of 50 mm and an approximate total weight of 90.6 grams.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case back is fully hallmarked with the gold standard marks “9” and “.375” , the anchor symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office , and the sponsor’s mark “E.W.C.Co” for the Eastern Watch Case Company”
  • “The internal dust cover is also fashioned in 9ct gold”

Reported Dial and Movement Configuration

Beneath the closed cover, the dial is described by the source as white enamel signed 'Criterion', fitted with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock.

Internally, the movement is reported by the seller to be a Swiss 15-jewel mechanism branded Criterion, marked for two adjustments, and operated via a keyless winding crown mechanism at 12 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is executed in white enamel , signed “Criterion” , and fitted with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock .”
  • “The movement is a 15-jewel Swiss mechanism , branded Criterion and marked for two adjustments , visible upon opening the inner cover.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Birmingham Assay Office date letter is stamped inside the case to establish the precise year of assay?
  • Does the movement or case interior bear a serial number or ébauche manufacturer trademark identifying the Swiss producer?
  • Does the 9ct gold inner dust cover bear full hallmarks matching the outer case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Eastern Watch Case Co. 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch, Criterion movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material and Hallmark9ct gold, hallmarked Birmingham with sponsor's mark E.W.C.Co“The case back is fully hallmarked with the gold standard marks “9” and “.375” , the anchor symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office , and the sponsor’s mark “E.W.C.Co” for the Eastern Watch Case Company”
Dial DescriptionWhite enamel signed Criterion with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds“The dial is executed in white enamel , signed “Criterion” , and fitted with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock .”
Movement SpecificationsSwiss, 15 jewels, two adjustments, signed Criterion“Movement: Swiss, 15 jewels, two adjustments, signed Criterion”
Dimensions and WeightDiameter approx. 50 mm, weight approx. 90.6 g“Diameter: Approx. 50 mm Weight: Approx. 90.6 g”
Inner Dust Cover Material9ct gold“The internal dust cover is also fashioned in 9ct gold”
Winding ConfigurationKeyless, crown at 12 o'clock“Winding: Keyless, crown at 12 o’clock”

Visible details

  • Front cover has a central circular glazed viewing aperture bordered by black enameled Roman numerals.
  • Fluted winding crown with an attached bow is located at the 12 o'clock position.
  • Blued steel hands are visible through the glazed opening over a white enamel dial.
  • Case exterior shows smooth polished yellow gold surfaces with minor surface wear.

Research qualifications

  • Internal hallmarks, inner dust cover, full dial signature, and movement details are stated by the seller but not visible in the closed front photograph.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: 9ct Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch Eastern Watch Case Co Crit

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8d13226a0d

Terms in this record

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

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