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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair-cased pocket watch

Edward Howard silver 'spider watch' pocket watch

Partially verified

This antique silver pocket watch is catalogued by the auction house as a 'spider watch' with a long second hand, bearing the signature 'Edward Howard, London' and attributed to the 1700s to 1800s. The white enamel dial features an off-centre upper subdial with Roman numerals and pierced hands, alongside a central long hand extending toward a peripheral perimeter track. The inner watch measures 57 mm in diameter and weighs 140 grams. It is housed in a matching silver outer case measuring 66 mm in diameter and weighing 46 grams, marked 'TG'.

Front view of the silver pocket watch dial signed Edward Howard, London
Front view of the silver pocket watch dial signed Edward Howard, London — Stadsauktion Sundsvall. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctionet.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pair-cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Edward Howard
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
576044
Source-reported date
17/1800s
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

Dial and Configuration

The watch features a white enamel dial with an upper off-centre subdial displaying Roman numerals and pierced metallic hands. A long hand is centrally mounted, extending toward a peripheral track marked in five-unit divisions.

The lower portion of the dial is inscribed 'EDWARD HOWARD' and 'LONDON'. The movement is not visible in the provided source records.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with an upper off-centre subdial displaying Roman numerals.”
  • “Elaborate pierced metallic hands on the upper subdial.”
  • “Centrally mounted long hand extending across the dial toward the outer ring marked in five-unit divisions.”
  • “Lower portion of dial inscribed 'EDWARD HOWARD' and 'LONDON'.”

Case Construction

The watch is housed within a silver outer case measuring 66 mm in diameter and weighing 46 grams, marked 'TG'. The inner watch measures 57 mm in diameter and weighs 140 grams.

Observations of the external assembly include an external bow and a hinge visible at the left side.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pocket watch, diameter 57 mm, weight 140 grams.”
  • “Watch case, silver, marked TG, diameter 66 mm, weight 46 grams.”
  • “Mounted inside an outer silver case with an external bow and hinge visible at the left.”

Condition and Attribution

The source classifies the item as a 'spider watch' and attributes the production to the 17th or 18th century (17/1800s), with the maker identified via dial text. This attribution is not verified by movement inspection.

Reported condition includes wear, minor dents, marks, and scratches. The source notes the watch is not function tested and the interior is loose.

Evidence for this section
  • “so-called "spider watch"”
  • “marked Edward Howard, London, 17/1800s.”
  • “Wear. Minor dents, marks, scratches. The shows loose. Not function tested.”

Open research questions

  • What criteria define the 'spider watch' typology in horological literature?
  • Do the markings on the inner movement correlate with the Edward Howard attribution?
  • What is the significance of the 'TG' mark found on the outer silver case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Edward Howard silver 'spider watch' pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Marked Maker and OriginEdward Howard, London“marked Edward Howard, London”
Era17/1800s“17/1800s”
Pocket Watch Diameter57 mm“Pocket watch, diameter 57 mm”
Pocket Watch Weight140 grams“weight 140 grams”
Watch Case Material and Maker MarkSilver, marked TG“Watch case, silver, marked TG”
Watch Case Diameter and Weight66 mm, 46 grams“diameter 66 mm, weight 46 grams”
Auction Item ID576044“576044”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with an upper off-centre subdial displaying Roman numerals.
  • Elaborate pierced metallic hands on the upper subdial.
  • Centrally mounted long hand extending across the dial toward the outer ring marked in five-unit divisions.
  • Lower portion of dial inscribed 'EDWARD HOWARD' and 'LONDON'.
  • Mounted inside an outer silver case with an external bow and hinge visible at the left.

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not visible in the supplied photograph.
  • Source notes: 'Wear. Minor dents, marks, scratches. The shows loose. Not function tested.'
  • Maker attribution to Edward Howard is source-reported based on dial text, not independently verified through movement hallmarks.

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

Consulted source

POCKET WATCH, silver, so-called "spider watch", long second hand, marked Edward Howard, London, 17/1800s. Clocks & Watches - Pocket & Stop Watches - Auctionet

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record d9dbe868eb

Terms in this record

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