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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

J. F. Bautte & Co Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch is attributed by the auction source to J. F. Bautte & Co and bears the serial number 85638. The yellow metal case is stamped '18K', measuring 35 mm in diameter, with a stated gross weight of 35.68 grams. The watch features a white dial displaying black Roman numerals, an outer minute track with quarterly diamond accents, and blued Breguet-style hands. The auction house reports a key-wound movement, that the piece includes a box but no papers, and notes that it is not currently running.

Front view of the open face pocket watch attributed to J. F. Bautte & Co
Front view of the open face pocket watch attributed to J. F. Bautte & Co — Dawsons Auctioneers Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. F. Bautte & Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
330
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
85638

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 Exterior Details

The open-face pocket watch is housed in a yellow metal case stamped '18K', measuring 35 mm in diameter, with a catalogued gross weight of 35.68 grams. Direct visual observation shows an integrated pendant, a rounded bow, a coin-edge ribbed case perimeter, and hinge projections positioned along the lower edge of the case.

The cataloguer's condition report notes surface wear across the exterior, recording 'Surface scratches, scuffs and small dents throuhgout.' The internal metallurgical composition beyond the seller-reported '18K' stamp is not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Material: Yellow Metal Stamped '18K'”
  • “Case Diameter: 35mm”
  • “Gross Weight: 35.68 grams”
  • “Yellow metal case with an integrated pendant, round bow, and ribbed coin-edge perimeter”
  • “Hinge projections visible along the lower edge of the case”
  • “Surface scratches, scuffs and small dents throuhgout.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is catalogued as white with black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and blued Breguet hands. Observed visually, the dial features slender Roman hour numerals and blued steel Breguet-style hands with circular open tips.

The condition report notes age-related marks, stating 'Slight marks and debris to dial.' No maker signature is recorded or visible on the face of the dial in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White, Blued Breguet Hands”
  • “Numerals: Black Roman Numerals, Minute Track”
  • “White enamel dial with slender black Roman numerals and an outer minute track”
  • “Blued steel Breguet-style hands with circular open tips”
  • “Slight marks and debris to dial.”

Attribution and Mechanical Status

The lot is catalogued under the maker heading 'J. F. Bautte & Co' with the serial designation '85638' and is described as having a key-wound movement. However, the movement is not depicted or technically described in the lot description, leaving its architecture, jewel count, and maker markings unconfirmed.

The source notes that the watch is accompanied by a box but lacks papers ('Box: Yes Papers: No'). Mechanically, the auctioneer records that the piece is inoperative, stating 'The watch is not currently running, no long-term tests have been performed and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.'

Evidence for this section
  • “J. F. Bautte & Co - An '18K' Open Face Pocket Watch”
  • “Serial: 85638”
  • “Movement: Key-Wound Movement”
  • “Box: Yes Papers: No”
  • “The watch is not currently running, no long-term tests have been performed and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.”

Open research questions

  • Are the maker name 'J. F. Bautte & Co' and serial number '85638' engraved on the movement bridge, cuvette, or inner case back?
  • What specific escapement type (e.g., cylinder or lever) and train layout are present in the key-wound movement?
  • Does the accompanying box bear any manufacturer or retailer marks associated with J. F. Bautte & Co?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. F. Bautte & Co Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. F. Bautte & Co“J. F. Bautte & Co - An '18K' Open Face Pocket Watch”
Serial Number85638“Serial: 85638”
Case MaterialYellow Metal Stamped '18K'“Case Material: Yellow Metal Stamped '18K'”
Case Diameter35mm“Case Diameter: 35mm”
MovementKey-Wound Movement“Movement: Key-Wound Movement”
Gross Weight35.68 grams“Gross Weight: 35.68 grams”
Accompanying ItemsBox included; no papers“Box: Yes Papers: No”
Operational StatusNot currently running“The watch is not currently running, no long-term tests have been performed and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with slender black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Blued steel Breguet-style hands with circular open tips
  • Yellow metal case with an integrated pendant, round bow, and ribbed coin-edge perimeter
  • Hinge projections visible along the lower edge of the case

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution and movement details are source-reported; the movement and interior markings are not shown in the photograph
  • Source notes the watch is not currently running and component originality is not guaranteed

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

Consulted source

At Auction: J. F. Bautte & Co - An '18K' Open Face Pocket Watch Serial: 85638 Case Material: Yellow Metal Stamped '18K' Case Diameter: 35mm Dial: White, Blued Breguet Hands Numerals: Black Roman Numerals, Minute Track Movement: Key-Wound Movement Box: Yes...

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2883e2abda

Terms in this record

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

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