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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating half-hunter pocket watch

James Hoddell & Co 18k Gold Minute Repeating Half Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18k gold pocket watch, identified as a half hunter model, was produced by the Coventry-based manufacturer James Hoddell & Co. The timepiece operates on a keyless wind mechanism powered by a gilt 3/4 plate English lever calibre, documented with the movement number 2283. The complication consists of a minute repeating function, activated by a slide on the case side, which triggers two hammers against internal gongs. The dial is finished in white with black Roman numerals for the hours and a separate subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position, complemented by blued steel double spade hands. The exterior of the case is finished in polished 18k gold; the front cover features a chapter with blue Roman numerals, while the reverse is engraved with a monogram. The item bears a London hallmark dating to 1896, with case stamps attributed to Fred Thoms.

The obverse of the 18k gold half hunter pocket watch, showing the white dial with Roman numerals and the blue chapter ring on the outer cover.
The obverse of the 18k gold half hunter pocket watch, showing the white dial with Roman numerals and the blue chapter ring on the outer cover. — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating half-hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
James Hoddell & Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1896
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2283

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

The watch is housed in a polished 18k gold case configured as a half hunter. The front cover incorporates a viewing aperture protected by a blue Roman numeral chapter, allowing time readout without opening the case. The reverse of the case is engraved with a monogram.

The case measures 52mm in diameter. The assembly is associated with a London hallmark for the year 1896. Further internal case stamping identifies the work of Fred Thoms.

Evidence for this section
  • “The polished gold case is designed with a half hunter cover, which displays a blue Roman numeral chapter on the front, while the back bears a monogram.”
  • “The watch measures 52mm in diameter and carries a London hallmark dating it to 1896, with the case stamped by Fred Thoms.”

Dial and Complication Mechanics

The dial is rendered in white with printed black Roman numerals for hour indication. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position. The time is read via blued steel double spade hands.

The minute repeating complication is integrated into the movement and is actuated via a slide located on the case band at the 6 o'clock position. The sound is produced by two polished hammers striking internal gongs.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white dial is decorated with black Roman numeral hour markers, a black outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock, all accented by blued steel double spade hands.”
  • “a minute repeating complication, indicated by two polished hammers that strike on internal gongs.”

Movement Details

The timepiece functions using a keyless winding system. The movement is specified as a gilt 3/4 plate English lever calibre, which is recorded as number 2283.

Regulation of the movement is facilitated by a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance. The escapement configuration includes a diamond end stone to reduce friction.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece features a keyless wind movement, specifically a gilt 3/4 plate English lever calibre, number 2283.”
  • “It incorporates a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance with a diamond end stone”

Open research questions

  • What specific records exist for James Hoddell & Co in the Coventry watch trade?
  • Does the serial number 2283 correlate with specific archival production ledgers for James Hoddell & Co?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James Hoddell & Co 18k Gold Minute Repeating Half Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJames Hoddell & Co“manufactured by James Hoddell & Co of Coventry”
Movement Number2283“gilt 3/4 plate English lever calibre, number 2283”
Material18k gold“18k gold half hunter pocket watch”
Date1896“London hallmark dating it to 1896”
Diameter52mm“The watch measures 52mm in diameter”
Case StampFred Thoms“case stamped by Fred Thoms”
ComplicationMinute repeater“minute repeating complication, indicated by two polished hammers that strike on internal gongs”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and subsidiary seconds
  • Blued steel double spade-style hands
  • Half hunter cover displaying an external blue Roman numeral chapter
  • Repeat slide mounted on the case side at the 6 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Case attribution to Fred Thoms is based on auction source information
  • Monogram identity and history remain unverified
  • Internal movement condition is not documented by the source

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

Consulted source

James Hoddell & Co 18k Gold Minute Repeating Half Hunter Pocket Watch, 1896

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 260f9fa069

Terms in this record

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

Other minute repeating half-hunter pocket watch records