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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

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

Partially verified

This antique half hunter pocket watch is housed in a 9ct gold case measuring approximately 50 mm in diameter. The source reports that the case is hallmarked for Birmingham with the maker's mark 'E.W.C.Co' for the Eastern Watch Case Company, and includes a matching 9ct gold dust cover. The front cover features a circular glazed aperture framed by an outer ring of black Roman numerals. The source states the white enamel dial is signed Criterion with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The internal movement is reported as a keyless 15-jewel Swiss mechanism branded Criterion with two adjustments.

Front view of the closed 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch showing the outer chapter ring and glazed aperture
Front view of the closed 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch showing the outer chapter ring and glazed aperture — Bushells Antiques via Sellingantiques.co.uk. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Eastern Watch Case Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA1195713
Source-reported date
19th 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

Case Construction and Exterior Form

The timepiece is arranged in a classic half hunter configuration executed in 9ct yellow gold. Visual inspection of the front exterior shows a polished closed lid centered with a glazed viewing aperture, surrounded by an outer chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals. The winding stem, ribbed winding crown, and circular suspension bow are mounted at the 12 o'clock position.

According to the dealer documentation, the case diameter measures approximately 50 mm, with a total weight of approximately 90.6 g. The case back is reported to carry standard British assay hallmarks from Birmingham including '9' and '.375', alongside the sponsor's mark 'E.W.C.Co' for the Eastern Watch Case Company. An internal dust cover is also reported to be crafted in 9ct gold.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glazed aperture is encircled by an engraved chapter ring featuring black Roman numerals.”
  • “Ribbed winding crown and circular suspension bow situated at 12 o'clock.”
  • “sponsor’s mark “E.W.C.Co” for the Eastern Watch Case Company”
  • “The internal dust cover is also fashioned in 9ct gold, reflecting a higher level of quality and finish.”

Reported Dial and Movement Details

Portions of a white surface and dark blued steel hands are visible through the front glazed aperture, but full dial details are obscured while the cover remains closed. The seller states the dial is white enamel bearing the signature 'Criterion', configured with black Roman numerals and a dedicated subsidiary seconds track located at 6 o'clock.

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided exterior photograph. The listing reports it to be a keyless-winding Swiss movement containing 15 jewels and marked for two adjustments, bearing the brand name 'Criterion'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Portions of the white dial and dark blued steel hands are visible through the glazed front aperture.”
  • “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”

Dating and Source Limitations

There is ambiguity regarding the exact date of production. The dealer's heading declares the watch to be '19th century', whereas the descriptive text places it more broadly between the 'late 19th / early 20th century' and references 'late Victorian to Edwardian watchmaking'.

Direct physical confirmation of the internal hallmark date letter, the movement calibre, and dial inscriptions is currently precluded because only the closed front exterior is illustrated. Consequently, movement specifications, case interior marks, and brand signatures rely entirely on the seller's catalogue description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bushells Antiques has dated this Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch to the 19th Century.”
  • “Swiss movement, Birmingham assay, late 19th / early 20th century”
  • “exemplifies the refined practicality and decorative restraint of late Victorian to Edwardian watchmaking.”

Open research questions

  • What specific Birmingham hallmark date letter is stamped inside the case back, allowing an exact year of manufacture to be determined?
  • What specific Swiss movement ebauche or manufacturer is represented beneath the 'Criterion' brand marking?
  • Does the case back or cuvette bear any individual serial numbers alongside the 'E.W.C.Co' sponsor's mark?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Eastern Watch Case Co. 9ct gold half hunter pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material9ct gold“This antique half hunter pocket watch is housed in a 9-carat gold case”
Case makerEastern Watch Case Company (E.W.C.Co)“sponsor’s mark “E.W.C.Co” for the Eastern Watch Case Company”
Assay officeBirmingham“anchor symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office”
Movement15-jewel Swiss mechanism, signed Criterion“The movement is a 15-jewel Swiss mechanism, branded Criterion and marked for two adjustments”
DiameterApprox. 50 mm“Diameter: Approx. 50 mm”
Total weightApprox. 90.6 g“Weight: Approx. 90.6 g”
Gold purity marks9 and .375“fully hallmarked with the gold standard marks “9” and “.375””
Winding configurationKeyless crown at 12 o'clock“Winding: Keyless, crown at 12 o’clock”

Visible details

  • Closed front gold cover features a central circular glazed viewing aperture.
  • Glazed aperture is encircled by an engraved chapter ring featuring black Roman numerals.
  • Ribbed winding crown and circular suspension bow situated at 12 o'clock.
  • Portions of the white dial and dark blued steel hands are visible through the glazed front aperture.

Research qualifications

  • Dealer headline dates the watch to the 19th century, while description notes late 19th to early 20th century.
  • Internal hallmarks, movement details, and dial signature 'Criterion' are concealed beneath the closed cover in this image.

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

Consulted source

Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch 19th Century | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d02e986d8b

Terms in this record

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

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