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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter chronometer pocket watch

James Durrant 18ct gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalogue, this full hunter pocket watch features an 18ct gold case measuring 52mm in diameter and assayed in London in 1925. The white enamel dial is configured with black Roman numerals, an outer minutes track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and an up/down power reserve dial at 12 o'clock, accompanied by blued spade and whip hands. The movement is key-wound, reported to be in working order, and bears an engraved plate signed 'James Durrant, Cheapside, London'.

Front view of the 18ct gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch with front cover opened
Front view of the 18ct gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch with front cover opened — Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Pocket watch · Full hunter chronometer pocket watch
Maker / attribution
James Durrant
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
181
Source-reported date
1925
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

Case and Physical Specifications

The object is a full hunter pocket watch with a case composed of 18ct gold, measuring 52mm in diameter. The total gross weight is recorded as 118.8g.

The case bears a London hallmark for the year 1925.

Evidence for this section
  • “18ct. gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch”
  • “52mm wide 18ct. gold case assayed London 1925”
  • “gross weight 118.8g”

Dial and Configuration

The white enamel dial features black Roman numerals and an outer minutes track. The layout includes a subsidiary seconds dial with Arabic numerals at the 6 o'clock position and an up/down power reserve dial at the 12 o'clock position.

The watch is fitted with blued spade and whip hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel Roman numeral dial with outer minutes track, subsidiary Arabic numeral seconds dial at 6 o'clock and up/down dial at 12 o'clock”
  • “blued spade and whip hands”

Movement and Attribution

The watch is key-wound. The movement plate is engraved with the signature 'James Durrant, Cheapside, London'.

The auction description notes the movement is in working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “key wind”
  • “movement plate engraved "James Durrant, Cheapside, London"”
  • “movement in working order”

Open research questions

  • What is the underlying escapement mechanism for the chronometer designation?
  • Does the serial number of the movement (if present) correlate to the known production period of James Durrant?
  • Is there physical evidence suggesting a later marriage of the movement and the 1925-hallmarked case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James Durrant 18ct gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18ct gold“18ct. gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch”
Movement Plate EngravingJames Durrant, Cheapside, London“movement plate engraved "James Durrant, Cheapside, London"”
Assay DetailsLondon 1925“assayed London 1925”
Case Diameter52mm“52mm wide 18ct. gold case”
Gross Weight118.8g“gross weight 118.8g”
AssayLondon 1925“assayed London 1925”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and fine hairline cracks visible between approximately 2 and 4 o'clock.
  • Up/down winding indicator register positioned at 12 o'clock and subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
  • Blued steel spade and whip hands.
  • Gold hunter case shown open with the front cover hinged to the left and an open cuvette or lid below.

Research qualifications

  • The 1925 London hallmark date on the case may indicate later re-casing of an earlier movement.
  • Movement condition reported as working order by auctioneer; not independently verified.

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

Consulted source

An 18ct. gold full hunter chronometer pocket watch, key wind, having white enamel Roman numeral d

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c040823749

Terms in this record

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