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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Gold open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is dated by the auctioneer to the late 19th or early 20th century. The watch features a yellow-toned metal case described by the source as gold, measuring 48 mm in diameter, with a reported gross weight of 96.5 grams. Its light dial displays elongated black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial situated at the 6 o'clock position. It is equipped with a top pendant and rounded suspension bow.

Front view showing dial, hands, and suspension bow of the open-face pocket watch
Front view showing dial, hands, and suspension bow of the open-face pocket watch — McTear's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
862
Source-reported date
late 19th/early 20th century
Source-reported place
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

Case and Physical Metrics

The auction catalogue identifies this item as a "GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH" featuring a "48mm case" and reports a gross weight of "Qty: 96.5g". Visually, the piece is housed in a smooth yellow-metal case bezel surrounding a domed crystal.

The top of the case displays a pendant with a spheroidal collar and a circular suspension bow. While the lot title designates the watch as gold, specific fineness, hallmark stamps, or caratage are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY”
  • “48mm case”
  • “Qty: 96.5g”
  • “Smooth yellow-metal case bezel surrounding a domed crystal.”
  • “Top pendant featuring a spheroidal collar and circular suspension bow.”

Dial Configuration and Hands

The watch features a light dial described by the auctioneer as "the round dial with Roman hour markers". Visual observation shows elongated black Roman numeral hour indices, alongside an outer track and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals marked at ten-second intervals.

On the dial, the central hour hand is missing or obscured, while a thin minute hand extends toward the 3 o'clock position. A subsidiary seconds hand is not clearly visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “the round dial with Roman hour markers”
  • “Light-toned dial with elongated black Roman numeral hour indices.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals at ten-second intervals.”
  • “Central hour hand is missing or obscured, while a thin minute hand extends toward the 3 o'clock position.”

Cataloguing and Mechanism Details

The auctioneer dates the pocket watch to "LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY". No maker name, model reference, or serial number are provided in the listing text or visible on the dial face.

Because the inner cuvette and movement are not depicted in the source imagery, mechanical specifications such as escapement type, winding system, and operational status are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY”

Open research questions

  • What metal purity hallmarks or assay marks are stamped on the interior of the case back and cuvette?
  • What type of movement is fitted inside the watch, and does it carry a maker's mark or serial number?
  • Is the hour hand absent, detached, or concealed behind the arbor?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Size48mm“48mm case”
Gross Weight96.5g“Qty: 96.5g”
Dial DescriptionRound dial with Roman hour markers“the round dial with Roman hour markers”
Estimated PeriodLate 19th/early 20th century“LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY”

Visible details

  • Light-toned dial with elongated black Roman numeral hour indices.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals at ten-second intervals.
  • Central hour hand is missing or obscured, while a thin minute hand extends toward the 3 o'clock position.
  • Top pendant featuring a spheroidal collar and circular suspension bow.
  • Smooth yellow-metal case bezel surrounding a domed crystal.

Research qualifications

  • The rear case cover is not visible in the provided photograph, so claims regarding engine turning or cartouche decoration cannot be visually verified.
  • No movement or inner case hallmarks are depicted in the single supplied image.
  • Specific gold purity or caratage is not stated in the auction description.

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

Consulted source

GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY the round dial with Roman hour marker

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9a31b50b5a

Terms in this record

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

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