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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Johann Pfister Yellow Gold Openface Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch is attributed by the source to Johann Pfister and assigned a circa date of 1866. Housed in a yellow gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter, the watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, blued accents on the hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. According to auction cataloguing, it contains a key-wound movement for time-only display. The condition notes state that the case back features an engraving of the farewell of Swiss hero Arnold von Winkelried.

Dial and front case view of the Johann Pfister openface pocket watch
Dial and front case view of the Johann Pfister openface pocket watch — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Johann Pfister
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
285
Source-reported date
circa 1866
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

Identity and Attributed Dating

This openface pocket watch is catalogued by Christie's under the title "JOHANN PFISTER, YELLOW GOLD OPENFACE POCKET WATCH" and assigned a date of "CIRCA: 1866". Housed in a yellow gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter, the piece is catalogued as providing "Time only" functions.

The cataloguer notes internal markings within the case, recording "Engravings and numbers to the inside cover." Specific hallmarks, serial digits, and maker inscriptions for the interior case or movement are not transcribed in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “JOHANN PFISTER, YELLOW GOLD OPENFACE POCKET WATCH,”
  • “CIRCA: 1866”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 44 mm. diam.”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Time only”
  • “Engravings and numbers to the inside cover.”

Dial Presentation and Condition

Visual observation shows a white enamel dial with black Roman hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic numerals. The yellow-toned case includes an integral pendant and circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock.

The auction condition report lists the dial as "Original. Slightly dirty and with hairline cracks starting all between 12 and 1 o'clock." In direct observation, a prominent network of hairline cracks is visible radiating across the upper and central portions of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: White enamel”
  • “White enamel dial featuring black Roman hour markers and an outer minute track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic numerals.”
  • “Yellow-toned case with an integral pendant and circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock.”
  • “Original. Slightly dirty and with hairline cracks starting all between 12 and 1 o'clock.”
  • “Prominent network of hairline cracks radiating across the upper and central portions of the dial.”

Case Engraving and Movement Details

The auction condition report notes a "very slightly rubbed engraving to the case back, showing the farewell of Winkelried (swiss national hero)." Because the provided photograph depicts only the dial side, this engraved scene is not directly visible in the supplied imagery.

The mechanism is catalogued as "Key-wound". The condition report adds that "The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time." Technical details such as caliber type, jewel count, and escapement architecture are not stated in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “very slightly rubbed engraving to the case back, showing the farewell of Winkelried (swiss national hero).”
  • “MOVEMENT: Key-wound”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”

Open research questions

  • What specific numbers, hallmarks, or text are engraved on the inside cover?
  • What movement caliber and escapement design are used within the key-wound mechanism, and does the movement bear signatures for Johann Pfister?
  • What visual composition or print source corresponds to the case back engraving depicting the farewell of Winkelried?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Johann Pfister Yellow Gold Openface Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialYellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold”
Case Diameter44 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 44 mm. diam.”
DialWhite enamel“DIAL: White enamel”
MovementKey-wound“MOVEMENT: Key-wound”
FunctionsTime only“FUNCTIONS: Time only”
Circa Date1866“CIRCA: 1866”
Case Back DecorationEngraving depicting the farewell of Winkelried“very slightly rubbed engraving to the case back, showing the farewell of Winkelried (swiss national hero).”
Movement Operating StateTicking at cataloguing; service required“The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”
Inside Cover DetailsEngravings and numbers present“Engravings and numbers to the inside cover.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring black Roman hour markers and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic numerals.
  • Prominent network of hairline cracks radiating across the upper and central portions of the dial.
  • Yellow-toned case with an integral pendant and circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Engraving on the case back and internal movement components are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • Auction report notes that the dial has hairline cracks starting between 12 and 1 o'clock and requires service.

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

Consulted source

JOHANN PFISTER, YELLOW GOLD OPENFACE POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 653e4372ea

Terms in this record

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

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