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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Empire Open-Face Pocket Watch with Seikosha Movement

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch features a white dial branded Empire, black Arabic numerals, blued-steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position. The manual-winding mechanical movement is signed Seikosha, the historic manufacturing firm established by Kintaro Hattori. The chromed metal case measures approximately 44.6 mm in diameter and bears an inner case cover marked 'ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM'. Accompanied by an Albert-style chain of unconfirmed origin, the timepiece dates to the first half of the twentieth century.

Dial and case view of the Empire open-face pocket watch shown with its Albert-style chain
Dial and case view of the Empire open-face pocket watch shown with its Albert-style chain — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Empire
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
106782156
Source-reported date
1900-1949
Source-reported place
Japan

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

Object Identity and Origin

This open-face pocket watch bears multiple distinct trade markings. While the white dial is branded EMPIRE, the internal mechanical movement is signed SEIKOSHA, the historic company founded by Kintaro Hattori that later developed into the Seiko group.

The inner case cover carries a separate marking stamped "ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM". The listing text notes that this marking relates to the case rather than the movement manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Although the dial is branded EMPIRE, the mechanical movement inside is clearly signed SEIKOSHA.”
  • “The inner case cover is marked “ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM.” This marking relates to the case rather than the manufacturer of the movement, which is clearly signed Seikosha.”

Case and Dial Configuration

The watch is housed in an open-face chromed metal case measuring approximately 44.6 mm in diameter, with a total length of approximately 49.3 mm including the crown and 53.1 mm including the crown and ring. Total weight is reported as approximately 52 g. Visible age-related wear on the case includes light scratches, surface marks, and areas of minor pitting.

The white dial features black Arabic numerals, blued-steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Visual observation notes an open circular motif on the hour hand. Light age-related discoloration, spotting, and patina are present across the dial, particularly around the lower portion, while the crystal exhibits light surface scratches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case diameter: approx. 44.6 mm”
  • “Total length including crown: approx. 49.3 mm”
  • “Total length including crown and ring: approx. 53.1 mm”
  • “Weight: approx. 52 g”
  • “The chromed case shows visible age-related wear, including light scratches, surface marks and areas of minor pitting.”
  • “Blued-steel hands including a distinctive open circular motif on the hour hand.”
  • “There is light age-related discoloration, spotting and patina visible across the dial, particularly around the lower portion.”
  • “Light surface scratches and age-related marks are visible.”

Movement Construction and Source Limitations

The manual-winding mechanical movement presents visible jewelled pivot settings, a gear train, a balance assembly, and decorative striping across the bridges. Operation was reported as running based on a spot check while resting dial-up after a full wind, though long-term performance and accuracy are not guaranteed.

No original box or papers are included, and no serial records are provided in the source. The watch is accompanied by a silver-tone Albert-style chain with a spring-ring fob clasp; however, its age and whether it was originally supplied with the watch cannot be confirmed.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement presents well visually, with a large traditional pocket-watch construction, visible gear train, jewelled pivot settings and decorative striping across the bridges.”
  • “It was checked while lying flat, dial-up, after a full wind. This should be regarded as a spot check at the time of listing rather than a guarantee of long-term accuracy.”
  • “No original box or papers are included.”
  • “The chain's age and whether it was originally supplied with the watch cannot be confirmed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical relationship between Seikosha movements and the 'ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM' case stamping in early twentieth-century Japanese pocket watches?
  • Does the Seikosha movement bear a specific caliber designation or serial number under the dial or balance to narrow the 1900–1949 date range?
  • Was the 'Empire' brand name an official domestic export/sub-brand of Seikosha/Hattori or an independent retailer label?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Empire Open-Face Pocket Watch with Seikosha Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandEMPIRE“Brand: EMPIRE”
Movement ManufacturerSEIKOSHA“Movement manufacturer: SEIKOSHA”
Movement TypeManual-winding mechanical“Movement: Manual-winding mechanical”
Case MaterialChromed metal“Case material: Chromed metal”
Case Diameterapprox. 44.6 mm“Case diameter: approx. 44.6 mm”
Inner Case MarkingROYAL CASE / WALTHAM“The inner case cover is marked “ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM.””
Total Length with Crownapprox. 49.3 mm“Total length including crown: approx. 49.3 mm”
Total Length with Crown and Ringapprox. 53.1 mm“Total length including crown and ring: approx. 53.1 mm”
Weightapprox. 52 g“Weight: approx. 52 g”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Blued-steel hands including a distinctive open circular motif on the hour hand.
  • Chromed metal case showing edge wear, scratches, and an attached silver-tone Albert-style chain.

Research qualifications

  • Originality and age of the attached Albert-style chain cannot be confirmed.
  • The inner case is marked 'ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM', while the movement is signed 'SEIKOSHA' and dial marked 'EMPIRE'.

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

Consulted source

Empire - Open-Face Pocket Watch with Seikosha Movement - 1900-1949 - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e1b1db8494

Terms in this record

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

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