Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Japy Frères pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is source-attributed to maker Japy Frères and dated to circa 1850–1900. The watch features an engraved metal case decorated with foliate and scrollwork relief, fitted with a prominent pendant and bow encircling a crown. The dial displays bold Roman numeral hour markers set against a pale green chapter ring, surrounding a painted central floral spray, with a sunken subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.

Front view of the engraved pocket watch showing the decorated dial, hands, and subsidiary seconds dial
Front view of the engraved pocket watch showing the decorated dial, hands, and subsidiary seconds dial — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Japy Frères
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
54083385
Source-reported date
1850-1900
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

Source Identity and Provenance Limitations

The auction entry identifies this object as a "pocket watch" attributed to maker "Japy Freres" and dates it to "1850-1900". It was catalogued under auction lot "Nr. 54083385" and designated under "Herren".

The auction source text provides no internal movement specifications, case hallmarks, or serial numbers. Therefore, the attribution to Japy Frères and the late 19th-century date range represent cataloguer designations rather than verified inscriptions documented in the source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Nr. 54083385”
  • “Japy Freres”
  • “pocket watch”
  • “Herren”
  • “1850-1900”

Case Decoration and Visible Form

Direct visual observation confirms an open-face pocket watch format fitted with a winding crown, suspension bow, and pendant. The perimeter displays an "Engraved bezel and case rim decorated with foliate and scroll relief patterns".

Near the upper rim of the case, visual inspection documents "Ornate openwork hour and minute hands paired with a small pinset pusher near 1 o'clock".

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved bezel and case rim decorated with foliate and scroll relief patterns”
  • “Ornate openwork hour and minute hands paired with a small pinset pusher near 1 o'clock”

Dial Configuration and Hands

The dial displays decorative polychrome work, characterized by "Roman numeral hour markers on a light green ring surrounding a central polychrome floral spray". Time is indicated by "Ornate openwork hour and minute hands".

A subdial is located at the bottom of the dial face, noted as a "Sunken subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker".

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial featuring Roman numeral hour markers on a light green ring surrounding a central polychrome floral spray”
  • “Ornate openwork hour and minute hands paired with a small pinset pusher near 1 o'clock”
  • “Sunken subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement beneath the cuvette exhibit Japy Frères trademark stamps, signatures, or serial numbers?
  • What metal purity, case maker marks, or hallmarks are stamped inside the case back or cuvette?
  • What caliber type and escapement mechanism are fitted within the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Japy Frères pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Listing Lot Number54083385“Nr. 54083385”
MakerJapy Frères“Japy Freres”
Object Typepocket watch“pocket watch”
Period1850-1900“1850-1900”
Listing Category TargetHerren“Herren”
Auction Sale Price70 €“Verkauft für 70 €”

Visible details

  • Engraved bezel and case rim decorated with foliate and scroll relief patterns
  • Dial featuring Roman numeral hour markers on a light green ring surrounding a central polychrome floral spray
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker
  • Ornate openwork hour and minute hands paired with a small pinset pusher near 1 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Japy Frères is reported by the auction source and is not visible on the dial
  • Movement caliber, internal hallmarks, and metal purity are not documented in the provided source text

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

Consulted source

Armbanduhren im Angebot in Online Auktion - Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record bf0116efb7

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records