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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triple case pocket watch

Harry Potter of London triple case pocket watch

Partially verified

This antique English pocket watch features a triple-case construction dating to circa 1791. The outermost protective case is covered in green-dyed shagreen embellished with round metallic pin-work appliques. According to the dealer, beneath this outer shell rests an 18K yellow gold inner case featuring a repoussé scene depicting four figures, followed by a third case enclosing the movement. The movement is reported to be a key-wound and set chain-driven verge fusee. The visible white porcelain dial displays Roman numeral hour markers, an outer arched minute track marked in Arabic numerals every five minutes, ornate pierced hands, and the signature 'POTTER LONDON'.

Front view of the English triple-case pocket watch showing the green shagreen outer case and dial signed POTTER LONDON
Front view of the English triple-case pocket watch showing the green shagreen outer case and dial signed POTTER LONDON — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Triple case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Harry Potter
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SSHO 178A
Source-reported date
Circa 1791
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

Construction and Exterior

The object features a triple-case configuration. The outermost protective case is surfaced in green-dyed shagreen, described as a type of shark skin, and is embellished with round metallic pin-work appliques.

A hinged outer frame includes the bow and pendant at the 12 o'clock position. The source reports an 18K yellow gold inner case featuring a repoussé design of four figures, and a third inner case housing the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outer case material is called Shagreen, in this case, a type of dyed shark skin.”
  • “Greenish shagreen outer case bezel embellished with metallic pin-work appliques.”
  • “An 18K yellow gold inner case features a distinctive repoussé design.”
  • “Hinged outer case frame with bow and pendant located at the 12 o'clock position.”

Dial and Hands

The white porcelain dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer decorative arched track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.

Centrally mounted gilt openwork hands indicate the time. The dial is signed 'POTTER' above the center arbor and 'LONDON' below.

Evidence for this section
  • “White porcelain dial with black Roman numeral hours and an outer decorative arc track with Arabic five-minute numerals.”
  • “Signed 'POTTER' above the center arbor and 'LONDON' below.”
  • “Gilt openwork decorative hands mounted at the center.”

Movement and Attribution

The movement is described as a chain-driven verge fusee mechanism. It is reported to be key-wound and set, and contained within a housing featuring scrollwork.

Attribution to the maker 'Harry Potter of London' and the date circa 1791 are provided by the source. These details concerning the movement and internal cases are not visible in the supplied photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “A chain-driven verge fusee movement powers the watch and operates with a key for winding and setting the time.”
  • “the movement resides within a housing consisting of finely crafted scrollwork.”
  • “Circa 1791”

Open research questions

  • Are there hallmarks present on the inner gold case to verify its composition and origin?
  • Can the repoussé scene be documented in historical horological archives?
  • Is the movement signed as reported by the source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Harry Potter of London triple case pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHarry Potter of London“English 18th Century Triple Case Pocket Watch by Harry Potter of London”
Outer Case MaterialShagreen with gold appliques“The outer case material is called Shagreen, in this case, a type of dyed shark skin. This outer case displays a greenish hue, further embellished with small, round gold appliques.”
Inner Case Material18K yellow gold with repoussé design“An 18K yellow gold inner case features a distinctive repoussé design.”
Movement MechanismChain-driven verge fusee“A chain-driven verge fusee movement powers the watch and operates with a key for winding and setting the time.”
DateCirca 1791“Circa 1791”
Repoussé SceneFour figures“It consists of four figures grouped together.”

Visible details

  • Greenish shagreen outer case bezel embellished with metallic pin-work appliques.
  • White porcelain dial with black Roman numeral hours and an outer decorative arc track with Arabic five-minute numerals.
  • Signed 'POTTER' above the center arbor and 'LONDON' below.
  • Gilt openwork decorative hands mounted at the center.
  • Hinged outer case frame with bow and pendant located at the 12 o'clock position.

Research qualifications

  • The 18K repoussé middle case, innermost case, and movement are not visible in the supplied single-view photograph.
  • All movement details and the full maker name Harry Potter are accepted based on dealer description.

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

Consulted source

English 18th Century Triple Case Pocket Watch by Harry Potter of London - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record b5c478d719

Terms in this record

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