Pocket watch · Open-face cylinder pocket watch

Gold & Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an antique Swiss open-face pocket watch dating to circa 1850. The piece features an engraved gold case measuring 41 mm in diameter, centered on the back with a polychrome painted enamel medallion showing a lady in a pink gown kneeling before a winged cupid within a vaulted chapel interior. According to the source, the movement is a keywind gilt Lepine calibre with a suspended going barrel, cylinder escapement, steel escape wheel, and a blue steel spiral hairspring. The source also reports a decorated silver dial with Roman numerals, gold hands, and an engine-turned gold cuvette.

Back cover of the gold open-face pocket watch featuring a polychrome enamel chapel scene and chased border — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: watchmuseum.org
Category: Pocket watch · Open-face cylinder pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: Circa 1850
Country: Switzerland

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 Construction and Aesthetics

This open-face pocket watch features a gold case measuring 41 mm in diameter. The rear of the case is decorated with a polychrome enamel medallion depicting a woman in a pink gown kneeling before a winged cupid within a vaulted chapel interior.

The enamel central panel is framed by engraved floral and rococo-style scroll borders. A chased decorative pendant bow is mounted above an urn-shaped stem.

Evidence for this section

“Diameter: 41 mm”
“The open face case is made of engraved gold and features a well-painted polychrome enamel scene on the back, depicting a lady and a cupid in a chapel”
“Engraved floral and rococo-style scroll borders frame the central painted enamel panel on the gold case back.”
“A chased decorative pendant bow is mounted above an urn-shaped stem.”

Dial and Internal Appointments

The silver dial is decorated with engravings and Roman numerals, complemented by gold hands. The watch is wound and set through an engine-turned gold cuvette.

The dial and cuvette details are reported by the source; their physical state remains unverified by current inspection.

Evidence for this section

“The silver dial is adorned with decorative engravings and Roman numerals, complemented by gold hands.”
“It can be wound and set through the engine-turned gold cuvette.”

Movement Technical Specification

The movement is a keywind gilt Lepine calibre featuring a suspended going barrel. It includes a plain cock, a polished steel regulator, and a plain three-arm gilt balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring.

The escapement is a cylinder type with the cylinder and escape wheel constructed from steel.

Evidence for this section

“The movement is a keywind gilt Lepine calibre, with a suspended going barrel.”
“The watch has a plain cock with a polished steel regulator, as well as a plain three-arm gilt balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring.”
“The cylinder and escape wheel are made of steel.”

Open research questions

Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks present on the gold case or internal cuvette to confirm the origin or metal fineness?
Does the watch retain any original winding key compatible with the movement?
What is the current mechanical state of the cylinder escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold & Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Place of Origin	Swiss	“Place of Origin :Swiss”
Date of Manufacture	Circa 1850	“Date of Manufacture: Circa 1850”
Diameter	41 mm	“Diameter: 41 mm”
Movement Calibre	Keywind gilt Lepine calibre	“The movement is a keywind gilt Lepine calibre, with a suspended going barrel.”
Case Back Scene	Polychrome enamel scene depicting a lady and a cupid in a chapel	“features a well-painted polychrome enamel scene on the back, depicting a lady and a cupid in a chapel”
Approximate Date	Circa 1850	“Date of Manufacture: Circa 1850”

Visible details

Engraved floral and rococo-style scroll borders frame the central painted enamel panel on the gold case back.
A chased decorative pendant bow is mounted above an urn-shaped stem.
The enamel medallion depicts a woman in a pink gown kneeling before a small winged cupid emerging from an ornate doorway beneath vaulted stone arches.

Research qualifications

The movement and dial are not visible in the photograph and rely entirely on source reporting.
The maker of the watch is not recorded.

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

Consulted source

Gold & Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch - Circa 1850 » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e19ffad0d8

Terms in this record

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