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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Novelty pocket watch

Jockey Cap Form 18k Gold and Enamel Novelty Watch

Partially verified

This novelty watch is designed in the shape of a jockey cap, executed in an 18k gold case with polychrome enamel decoration. Originating in Europe and dated to the 1890s by the source, the cap's crown features alternating blue and red panels with delicate gold foliage patterns radiating from a central top button. According to the seller, a push-button releases the upper enameled dome to reveal the internal watch dial, while the reverse opens to provide access to the manual-wind movement, protected under a dedicated dust cover. Measuring 40 mm in length including the winder, it also incorporates a suspension loop mounted at the brim.

Three-quarter exterior view of the closed jockey cap-form watch case showing enamel crown, visor, and winding crown
Three-quarter exterior view of the closed jockey cap-form watch case showing enamel crown, visor, and winding crown — 1stDibs. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.1stdibs.com
Category
Pocket watch · Novelty pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
LU2804220518222
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1890s
Country
Europe

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 Design and Construction

This novelty watch is shaped as a jockey cap, measuring 40 mm in total length including the winder and 18 mm in height. The case is described as 18k gold and features enamel decoration. The seller notes the item has been polished, restored, and serviced.

The case features a top enamel section and a gold brim. A suspension ring is located at the brim. The current exterior condition is described as having a solid gold case stamped 18 k.

Evidence for this section
  • “Solid gold case is stamped 18 k”
  • “it is 40mm from the edge of the cap including the winder”
  • “and the height is 18 mm”
  • “Polished. restored and serviced.”

Access and Mechanism

The watch features a manual-wind top-winding movement. Access to the internal watch dial is achieved by using a push-button to open the top enamel section of the cap.

A separate access point is provided on the back of the case to reach the movement, which is further protected by a dust cover. The watch is reported by the seller to be in working condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Top enamel section opens up to show the watch by pressin a little button.”
  • “Back opens up to have an access to the movement.”
  • “Movement also has a dust cover.”
  • “It is a top winder”
  • “Watch in working condition”

Provenance and Documentation

The source attributes the object's origin to Europe and the period of 1890-1899. No specific maker is identified in the provided information.

A gold-plated chain is included with the watch, distinct from the 18k gold composition of the case. No visual documentation of the internal dial or movement is provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “Place of Origin : Europe”
  • “Period : 1890-1899”
  • “The chain that comes with the watch is gold plated.”

Open research questions

  • Does the watch case bear any assay marks or maker's marks, and if so, what do they indicate regarding the specific country of origin?
  • What is the condition and design of the internal watch dial, which is not visible in the provided exterior imagery?
  • Does the movement possess any identifiable serial numbers or horological markings on the dust cover or plates to assist in dating or attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jockey Cap Form 18k Gold and Enamel Novelty Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18k gold and enamel“Solid gold case is stamped 18 k”
Gross weight20.64 grams“20.64 gms gross”
Length40 mm including winder“it is 40mm from the edge of the cap including the winder”
Height18 mm“and the height is 18 mm”
Movement typeManual wind top winder“It is a top winder ,”
Gross Weight20.64 grams“20.64 gms gross”
Movement TypeManual wind top winder“It is a top winder”

Visible details

  • Segmented dome enameled in alternating blue and deep red translucent guilloché sections with applied gold leafy tendrils.
  • Brim fashioned from polished gold, fitted with a small suspension ring at the front tip.
  • Chased and engraved gold band ornamenting the base of the crown just above the brim.

Research qualifications

  • Dial and movement are enclosed and not visible in the provided closed-case exterior view.
  • Maker and specific country of European manufacture are unspecified in the listing.

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

Consulted source

A Unique Enamel Gold 18 k watch in the shape of a Jockey cap very rare at 1stDibs | anastasia music box with necklace key, anastasia music box with working necklace key, anastasia music box for sale

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record db22eb0030

Terms in this record

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