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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Touring pocket watch

Gentleman's Touring Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gentleman's touring pocket watch dates to circa 1905, according to the auction source. Described as being of large size, such touring watches were reportedly produced as gifts for participants, friends, or family associated with early motoring events. The source notes an ornate dial with gold markers, hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial, with a movement reported in good working order. The silver-toned case features an embossed reverse depicting a couple motoring in an early automobile, framed by sunflowers and scrollwork.

Three-quarter rear view of the embossed touring pocket watch case against a reflective dark surface
Three-quarter rear view of the embossed touring pocket watch case against a reflective dark surface — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
cars.bonhams.com
Category
Pocket watch · Touring pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
243
Source-reported date
circa 1905
Country
Not established

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

Historical Context and Identification

This pocket watch is classified by the source as a 'touring watch,' a designation attributed to items produced circa 1905 for individuals associated with the early motoring era. Such pieces were reportedly distributed as gifts to friends, family, or participants involved in early trials.

The timepiece is described as being of 'large size,' which the source associates with early motoring-era conventions for men's touring watches.

Evidence for this section
  • “'Touring Watches' were produced as gifts for friends, family or participants of early motoring events”
  • “circa, 1905”
  • “large size”

Case Construction and Decoration

The exterior of the watch features detailed relief decoration. The case reverse is embossed with a scene depicting a couple driving in a veteran motorcar, surrounded by a sunflower motif.

The item features engraved scrollwork along the case band and rim, and a decorative, contoured bow that secures the winding crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “the reverse embossed with an image of a couple out for a drive in a veteran motorcar and surrounded by Sunflowers”
  • “Engraved scrollwork along the case band and rim.”
  • “Decorative, contoured bow enclosing a fluted winding crown.”

Dial and Mechanism

The source describes the watch as possessing an ornate, decorated dial featuring gold markers and hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is integrated into the face layout.

The internal mechanism is reported to be in good working order, though the movement itself is not visible in the source's provided photographic documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “ornate dial and gold markers and hands”
  • “subsidiary seconds dial”
  • “the movement in good working order”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific metallic composition of the watch case?
  • Does the internal movement bear any identifying maker's mark or serial number?
  • Are there any hallmark stamps on the case interior to confirm its origin or silver content?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gentleman's Touring Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1905“circa, 1905”
Case Reverse DecorationCouple driving in a veteran motorcar surrounded by sunflowers“the reverse embossed with an image of a couple out for a drive in a veteran motorcar and surrounded by Sunflowers”
Dial FeaturesSubsidiary seconds dial with gold markers and decorated dial“subsidiary seconds dial, the movement in good working order, decorated dial and gold markers”
PurposeProduced as gifts for motoring events“'Touring Watches' were produced as gifts for friends, family or participants of early motoring events”
General ConditionGood original condition“in good original condition”

Visible details

  • Embossed metal case back depicting an early automobile with occupants, set against a floral sunflower motif.
  • Engraved scrollwork along the case band and rim.
  • Decorative, contoured bow enclosing a fluted winding crown.

Research qualifications

  • Dial and movement are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Case metal composition is not specified by the source.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams Cars : A fine and early Gentleman's Touring Pocket Watch, circa, 1905, Note: 'Touring Watches' were produced as gifts for friends, family or participants of early motoring events, with larger examples for men and smaller for women. This particular Gentlemen's Touring Watch is in good working condition and has an ornate dial and gold markers and hands, indicating that it was possibly produced as an early trial participants gift.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2547fc32f0

Terms in this record

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