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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

English 18K Open Face Pocket Watch by Rundell & Bridge

Partially verified

This English open face pocket watch dates to circa 1790 and is attributed by the seller to Rundell & Bridge of London. The 18K yellow gold hinged case features an enameled decorative bezel in cobalt blue with scrollwork details, along with an engraved swag and tassel design on the winding stem. Its white convex porcelain dial is fitted with Arabic numerals, gold arrow hands, and an aperture for key winding located above six o'clock. According to the source, the internal movement is a key-wound fusee signed 'Rundell & Bridge London' with a pierced balance cock.

Front view of an 18K gold open face pocket watch attributed to Rundell & Bridge, showing the enamel bezel and convex porcelain dial.
Front view of an 18K gold open face pocket watch attributed to Rundell & Bridge, showing the enamel bezel and convex porcelain dial. — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Rundell & Bridge
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
EBEL20
Source-reported date
Circa 1790
Source-reported place
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 Case Construction

The timepiece is an open-face pocket watch featuring an 18K yellow gold hinged case. The front is framed by a decorative bezel ornamented with cobalt blue enamel and foliate border motifs, while the winding stem displays engraved swag and tassel detailing topped by an oval bow.

The watch is fitted with a convex white porcelain dial marked with Arabic numerals and dot minute markers along the periphery. Time is indicated by gold-toned arrow hands, and a key-winding aperture is positioned directly above the 6 o'clock mark.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 18K gold hinged case has a convex porcelain dial with Arabic numerals and gold arrow hands.”
  • “The winding stem has engraved swag and tassel detail.”
  • “Convex white dial with Arabic numerals and dot minute markers”
  • “Key-wind aperture positioned above the 6 o'clock mark”

Reported Movement and Reverse Decoration

According to the seller description, the watch houses an intricate key-wind fusee movement with artistic piercing on the balance cock and rate adjuster. The movement is reported as signed 'Rundell & Bridge London'.

The seller also notes that the reverse features cobalt blue enamel over a finely engraved back plate, and that the watch includes an original presentation box and winding key. However, the movement, case reverse, and accessories are not visible in the provided frontal image.

Evidence for this section
  • “intricate fusee movement with artistic piercing to the balance cock and rate adjuster.”
  • “Movement signed Rundell & Bridge London”
  • “It features an eye-catching cobalt blue enamel over a finely engraved back plate and in the decorative bezel design.”
  • “comes with its original presentation box and winding key.”

Attribution and Source Context

The source attributes the watch to Rundell & Bridge of London, describing them as jewelers to King George III, and dates the piece to circa 1790.

Hallmarks, case maker initials, escapement configuration, and internal movement serial numbers are not recorded in this source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rundell & Bridge of London, jewelers to King George III, crafted this quality key wind pocket watch.”
  • “Circa 1790”

Open research questions

  • What specific gold hallmarks, date letters, and casemaker sponsor marks are stamped inside the case?
  • Does the movement plate bear a production serial number alongside the signature 'Rundell & Bridge London'?
  • What specific escapement type (e.g., cylinder, verge, or lever) is employed within the fusee movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English 18K Open Face Pocket Watch by Rundell & Bridge
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionRundell & Bridge“English 18K Open Face Pocket Watch by Rundell & Bridge”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K Yellow Gold”
Movement MechanismFusee movement“intricate fusee movement with artistic piercing to the balance cock and rate adjuster.”
Movement SignatureRundell & Bridge London“Movement signed Rundell & Bridge London”
Circa DateCirca 1790“Circa 1790”
Winding MethodKey wind“quality key wind pocket watch.”
Case Back DecorationCobalt blue enamel over engraved plate (reported)“cobalt blue enamel over a finely engraved back plate”
Reported AccessoriesOriginal presentation box and winding key“comes with its original presentation box and winding key.”

Visible details

  • Convex white dial with Arabic numerals and dot minute markers
  • Gold-toned arrow hands
  • Key-wind aperture positioned above the 6 o'clock mark
  • Gilt bezel with cobalt blue enamel and foliate border decoration
  • Winding pendant neck engraved with swag and tassel motifs, topped by an oval bow

Research qualifications

  • Movement and reverse caseback are not visible in the provided image; movement details and signature rely on seller description.
  • Original presentation box and key reported by the seller are not shown.

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

Consulted source

English 18K Open Face Pocket Watch by Rundell & Bridge - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2ff2ccce13

Terms in this record

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

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