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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face fusee pocket watch

English silver fusee pocket watch with 30-tooth escape wheel

Partially verified

This antique English open face pocket watch features a silver case bearing London hallmarks dated to 1816. The dealer reports a gilt full plate fusee movement with a lever escapement, stop/start lever, steel balance, diamond endstone, and an atypical 30-tooth escape wheel with the sub-seconds hand making four revolutions per minute. The movement retains an original gilt dust cap. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial calibrated from 10 to 60. The watch is key-wound from the back and key-set from the front.

Front view showing the enamel dial, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds dial, and silver open face case with bow
Front view showing the enamel dial, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds dial, and silver open face case with bow — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
WE84 (AB-274063)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm274063
Source-reported date
circa 1816
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 and Construction

The watch is housed in an English silver open-face case. The case features a hinged back and bezel, with the movement accessed from the front. The back cover is designed to open to a 90-degree angle when the stem button is depressed.

The interior of the case is finished with gilt. The watch measures 52mm in width and 21mm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 52mm wide x 21mm deep”
  • “the movement is accessed from the front also”
  • “The back cover pops crisply open to 90 degrees when you press the button on in on the stem”
  • “The inside of the case is finished with gilt”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features an off-white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a set of blued steel hands. It is fitted with a mineral glass.

A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned above the 6 o'clock mark and is calibrated with Arabic numerals 10 through 60. The seller notes that the sub-seconds hand completes four revolutions per minute, despite the use of a standard 0-60 dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “the off white enamel dial has full set of blue steel hands”
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”
  • “The watch has a 30 tooth escape wheel and the sub seconds hand makes 4 revolutions per minute but the dial is a straightforward 0-60 dial”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece contains a gilt full-plate fusee movement with a lever escapement and a stop-start lever, with the slide located at the 10 position. The movement is fitted with an original gilt dust cap.

The movement features a carved watch cock decorated with a lion, a steel balance, and a diamond endstone. The escapement is configured with a 30-tooth escape wheel. The watch is key-wound and key-set.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt full plate fusee movement has a lever escapement with a a 30 tooth escape wheel and a stop start lever – the slide is at the 10 position”
  • “The movement has its original gilt dust cap”
  • “The movement has a carved watch cock embellished with a lion, a large diamond endstone and a steel balance”

Open research questions

  • What are the historical implications of a 30-tooth escape wheel on an English lever movement in the early 19th century?
  • Is there existing horological literature documenting lever movements that produce 4 revolutions per minute on a standard subsidiary seconds dial?
  • What specific restoration requirements are typically associated with 'mystery watches' of this era sold without a maker signature?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English silver fusee pocket watch with 30-tooth escape wheel
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Hallmark DateLondon 1816“This is an English silver pocket watch which has clear hallmarks for London 1816”
Escapement Feature30 tooth escape wheel“The watch has a 30 tooth escape wheel and the sub seconds hand makes 4 revolutions per minute”
Movement TypeGilt full plate fusee movement“the gilt full plate fusee movement has a lever escapement with a a 30 tooth escape wheel”
Case Dimensions52mm wide x 21mm deep“The watch measures 52mm wide x 21mm deep”
Winding MechanismKey wound and key set“The watch is key wound / key set and comes with an old key.”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock mark with Arabic numerals 10 through 60
  • Silver case top with spherical pendant and circular bow

Research qualifications

  • Sold as a restoration/mystery watch running fast and without maker signature recorded
  • Internal movement, dust cap, and case hallmarks are described in text but not shown in this photo

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

Consulted source

English silver fusee pocket watch with w/ 30 tooth escape wheel c1816 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record fbb625c65c

Terms in this record

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

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