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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch

George Graham quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch

Partially verified

This gold quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch is attributed to George Graham of London. The object features an enamel dial with beetle and poker hands, housed in a case fitted with a dome glass. Technical specifications noted include a fusee movement pivoted through the balance wheel and a large diamond end-stone. The watch incorporates a stirrup bow and is described as a quarter dumb repeating watch. The Auckland Museum, which holds the piece as part of its history collection under accession number 1942.92, notes that it is considered to be a potential forgery. The watch was once owned by Judge Martin of Russell and entered the museum collection as a gift from Miss E. G. Martin in 1942. Its design reflects the style of historical verge escapement timepieces, though its origin remains subject to institutional uncertainty.

Side view of a gold quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch with the case open to reveal the enamel dial and beetle and poker hands.
Side view of a gold quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch with the case open to reveal the enamel dial and beetle and poker hands. — Auckland Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
commons.wikimedia.org
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
George Graham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1942.92
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
London

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 Dial

The pocket watch is presented in a gold case characterized by an ornate exterior, featuring detailed engraving around the band and a prominent stirrup-style bow. The watch utilizes a dome glass to protect the face, which consists of an enamel dial featuring standard Roman numeral hour markers.

The watch is equipped with beetle and poker hands, a decorative set often found on timepieces of this configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch made by George Graham, London”
  • “stirrup bow, dome glass case”

Movement and Mechanism

The mechanical structure of the watch is defined as a verge movement. According to the museum records, the fusee is pivoted through the balance wheel, a specific arrangement in the watch's motion work.

Included in the movement assembly is a large diamond end-stone, a feature often associated with high-grade horological construction. The watch functions as a quarter dumb repeating mechanism, allowing it to signal time through vibration rather than an audible chime.

Evidence for this section
  • “quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch”
  • “large diamond end-stone”
  • “fusee pivoted through balance wheel”

Provenance and Status

The watch was formerly the property of Judge Martin of Russell. It was donated to the Auckland Museum in 1942 by Miss E. G. Martin and is registered under the accession number 1942.92.

This status is central to the object's cataloguing within the institution's history collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Probably a forgery”
  • “Once the property of the late Judge Martin of Russell”
  • “Gift of Miss E G Martin, 1942, Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 1942.92”

Open research questions

  • What specific elements of the movement or hallmarks indicate a potential forgery as suggested by the museum?
  • Does the movement contain any internal stamps or signatures that corroborate or contradict the attributed maker, George Graham?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George Graham quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGeorge Graham“Gold watch made by George Graham, London.”
TypeQuarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch“quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch”
Accession number1942.92“1942.92”
ProvenanceGift of Miss E G Martin“Gift of Miss E G Martin, 1942”
Attribution uncertaintyPotential forgery“Probably a forgery.”
Case featuresStirrup bow and dome glass“stirrup bow, dome glass case”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Beetle and poker style hands
  • Stirrup-shaped bow on the case
  • Decorative engine-turned or floral engraving on the case band

Research qualifications

  • The Auckland Museum description notes that the object is 'probably a forgery'
  • The exact date of manufacture is not stated in the provided source records

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

Consulted source

George Graham gold quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 439ed43c09

Terms in this record

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