Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Balance cock

Georgian pocket watch balance cock

Partially verified

This is a Georgian antique pocket watch balance cock dated to circa 1790 by the seller. Offered by London dealer Atlam Watches under reference AM381 (AB-265514), the component measures approximately 31 mm by 12 mm. The gilt-toned piece displays intricate openwork piercing and engraving with scrolling foliate and floral motifs extending across the circular table and spreading foot. The foot features pierced decoration and a countersunk screw mounting aperture, while the center of the table retains an endstone setting.

Top view of the pierced and engraved Georgian pocket watch balance cock
Top view of the pierced and engraved Georgian pocket watch balance cock — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Component · Balance cock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
AM381 (AB-265514)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm265514
Source-reported date
c. 1790
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

Object Identity and Origin

This listing represents an isolated antique pocket watch balance cock listed under dealer reference code AM381 (AB-265514). It is classified by dealer Atlam Watches under the category Period: "18th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)" and titled with the approximate date "c1790".

The item is offered as a single component, separate from its original movement, dial, or watch case. The identity of the original watchmaker is not recorded in the listing documentation, and no maker signatures or caliber marks are mentioned in the text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Code AM381 (AB-265514)”
  • “Period 18th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
  • “Georgian pocket watch balance cock c1790 in Misc”

Dimensions and Decorative Piercing

According to the listing measurements, the component measures "31mm x 12mm". The piece exhibits pierced openwork and surface engraving, described by the seller as "decorated with pierced and engraved work featuring flowers."

In addition to the circular table, the base is detailed with pierced work rather than being solid, as the seller explicitly notes: "The watch cock also has a pierced foot".

Evidence for this section
  • “Measures 31mm x 12mm”
  • “The cock is decorated with pierced and engraved work featuring flowers.”
  • “The watch cock also has a pierced foot”

Visible Structural Observations

Visible inspection shows openwork scroll and foliate engraving spreading across the circular table. The center of the table retains an endstone or jewel setting.

The flared foot incorporates decorative openwork along with a countersunk mounting hole for a retaining screw. The underside of the cock is not depicted in the provided visual material.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pierced and engraved scrollwork and foliate motifs across the table”
  • “Central jewel/endstone setting fixed to the cock table”
  • “Countersunk screw mounting hole situated in the flared foot”

Open research questions

  • What specific base metal and plating composition (such as fire-gilded brass) make up the balance cock?
  • What mineral or gemstone material was used for the central endstone setting?
  • Does the unillustrated reverse side retain alignment steady pins or artisan scratch marks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Georgian pocket watch balance cock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Period18th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)“Period 18th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
Dimensions31mm x 12mm“Measures 31mm x 12mm”
DecorationPierced and engraved work featuring flowers“The cock is decorated with pierced and engraved work featuring flowers.”
Foot designPierced foot“The watch cock also has a pierced foot”
Dealer codeAM381 (AB-265514)“Code AM381 (AB-265514)”
DealerAtlam Watches“Dealer Atlam Watches”
Price$33 (approx conversion from £25)“$33 (approx conversion from £25)”

Visible details

  • Pierced and engraved scrollwork and foliate motifs across the table
  • Central jewel/endstone setting fixed to the cock table
  • Countersunk screw mounting hole situated in the flared foot
  • Pierced decorative work on the spreading foot

Research qualifications

  • Original watchmaker and base metal composition are unrecorded in the listing
  • Underside of the balance cock is not shown

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

Consulted source

Georgian pocket watch balance cock c1790 in Misc

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b27db7fd36

Terms in this record

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

Other balance cock records