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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Fortnum & Mason 18ct yellow gold open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch signed by Fortnum & Mason features an 18ct yellow gold case measuring 45mm in diameter. Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1928, the case carries serial number 422975 and has an overall gross weight recorded at approximately 62 grams. The watch houses a signed keyless wind movement fitted with a ratchet tooth lever escapement. Its silvered dial is detailed with Arabic numeral hour markers, an outer rail track, and blued steel hands with circular open loops near the tips.

Front view of the 18ct gold open face Fortnum & Mason pocket watch dial and case
Front view of the 18ct gold open face Fortnum & Mason pocket watch dial and case — Fellows. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.fellows.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Fortnum & Mason
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
222
Source-reported date
1928
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
422975

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 Hallmarks

The watch features an 18ct yellow gold open-face case measuring 45mm in diameter. The case includes a fluted crown at the 12 o'clock position.

The case is hallmarked Birmingham 1928 and is numbered 422975.

Evidence for this section
  • “18ct yellow gold case, hallmarked Birmingham 1928.”
  • “Case width 45mm.”
  • “Numbered 422975.”

Dial and Hands

The timepiece is fitted with a silvered dial, which features Arabic numeral hour markers.

The dial is signed 'FORTNUM & MASON' and 'LONDON' beneath the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered dial with Arabic numeral hour markers.”
  • “Dial signed 'FORTNUM & MASON' and 'LONDON' beneath the 12 o'clock position”

Movement and Condition

The watch is powered by a signed keyless wind movement with a ratchet tooth lever escapement.

The movement is noted as currently functioning, though condition reports describe scratches, marks, and tarnishing on the movement, dial, and hands. The plate within the movement is discoloured, and the glass exhibits scratches and marks.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed keyless wind movement with ratchet tooth lever escapement.”
  • “Movement is currently functioning.”
  • “Movement has scratches, marks and tarnishing”
  • “Plate within movement discoloured”
  • “Dial appears to have noticeable marks and scratches.”
  • “Hands show noticeable marks and tarnishing.”
  • “Glass has some scratches and marks when viewed under a 4x loupe.”

Open research questions

  • Who is the original manufacturer of the movement housed in this Fortnum & Mason watch?
  • Are there additional hallmarks or maker's marks on the interior case back not described in the condition report?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Fortnum & Mason 18ct yellow gold open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case HallmarkBirmingham 1928“hallmarked Birmingham 1928”
Case Width45mm“Case width 45mm.”
Serial Number422975“Numbered 422975.”
EscapementRatchet tooth lever escapement“Signed keyless wind movement with ratchet tooth lever escapement.”
Dial MaterialSilvered“Silvered dial with Arabic numeral hour markers.”
Total Lot Weight62.3g“Total lot weight: 62.3”

Visible details

  • Blued steel Breguet-style hands with circular open tips
  • Dial signed 'FORTNUM & MASON' and 'LONDON' beneath the 12 o'clock position
  • Outer railway minute track framing italicised Arabic numeral hour markers
  • Top-winding fluted crown fitted with an oval suspension bow at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, cuvette, and case back hallmarks are not visible in the provided image view
  • The movement manufacturer is not stated, though the movement itself is noted as signed

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

Consulted source

Lot 222 | An 18ct yellow gold open face pocket watch by

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d0551c8a3f

Terms in this record

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

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