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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

John Forrest open-face silver pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face silver pocket watch features a dial signed 'Chronometer Maker to the Admiralty' above 'John Forrest, London' beneath a tree motif. The auction catalog dates the watch to circa 1913 based on a Birmingham hallmark letter date, attributing the case to maker 'W.R' of Birmingham or Coventry. The silver case measures 59.3 mm in diameter and is fitted with a fluted or reeded bezel and band, while the source notes a taille-douce engraved case back. The white enamel dial features radial Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to the catalog, the watch houses a 19''' gilded brass movement with a lateral lever escapement and safety pinion.

Dial view of the John Forrest open-face silver pocket watch
Dial view of the John Forrest open-face silver pocket watch — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Forrest
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
105
Source-reported date
circa 1913
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
722 581

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

Dial and Case Presentation

The watch features a white enamel dial marked with radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Centered below 12 o'clock is an inscription framing a tree insignia reading 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' above 'JOHN FORREST LONDON'. Visible examination shows gilded pear-style hour indication, slender minute and seconds hands, and fine hairlines across the enamel surface between the center arbor and the numerals.

The open-face case is silver with an engraved or engine-turned reeded border along the bezel. While internal and reverse surfaces are not visible in the primary photograph, catalog text records a fluted case-band, a gilded metal dust-cover, and a case back engraved in taille-douce with patterned décor around a central escutcheon.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with bold black radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track.”
  • “Central inscription reading 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' around a tree insignia and 'JOHN FORREST LONDON'.”
  • “Fine visible hairlines on the enamel dial surface between the center and numerals.”
  • “Engraved or engine-turned reeded border along the bezel.”
  • “Case-back engraved in taille-douce (fine-cut) with pattern décor, with, in the centre, an escutcheon; fluted case-band. Gilded metal dust-cover.”

Reported Movement and Construction

The movement is not visible in the provided image, but auction documentation describes a key-winding 19''' full-plate gilded brass movement featuring a going barrel, safety pinion, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance, blued steel flat hairspring, engraved gilded cock, and a polished steel index-regulator.

Both the dial and movement are reported as signed, with the movement cataloged under number 722 581, matching the initial number of the reported case stamping.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement 19’’’, full plate, gilded brass, going barrel, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance and blued steel flat hairspring, engraved gilded cock, polished steel index-regulator.”
  • “Caliber 19’’’, lateral lever escapement, “Safety pinion””
  • “Signature dial and movement”
  • “Movement No. 722 581”

Hallmarking and Condition Disclosures

The case is documented as number 722 581 / 42, attributed to maker 'W.R' of Birmingham or Coventry with a Birmingham letter-date for 1913, providing the catalog date of circa 1913. Total weight is noted as approximately 172.2 grams.

Condition disclosures provided by the auction house state that the hands are later and note hairlines as well as chipping under the bezel that is not visible when closed. An overhaul was recommended at the buyer's expense.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case No. 722 581 / 42 (by “W.R” Birmingham or Coventry; Birmingham letter-date for 1913)”
  • “Weight 172.2 gr. (approx.)”
  • “HANDS Later”
  • “Chipped under bezel,not visible when closed”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • Which registered silversmith or casemaker in Birmingham or Coventry corresponds to the mark 'W.R' under the 1913 Birmingham date letter?
  • What movement style and finish are present under the gilded dust cover, and does the movement serial number 722 581 correspond to standard Coventry trade production under the John Forrest name?
  • What is the extent of the dial chipping under the bezel, and does it compromise dial mounting stability?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Forrest open-face silver pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialSilver (0.925)“Silver (0.925), open-face, key-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch, with subsidiary seconds at 6.”
Movement number722 581“Movement No. 722 581”
Case number722 581 / 42“Case No. 722 581 / 42 (by “W.R” Birmingham or Coventry; Birmingham letter-date for 1913)”
Diameter59.3 mm“Diameter 59.3 mm.”
Caliber19’’’“Movement 19’’’, full plate, gilded brass, going barrel, lateral lever escapement”
Total weightApproximately 172.2 g“Weight 172.2 gr. (approx.)”
Winding systemKey-winding“Silver (0.925), open-face, key-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch, with subsidiary seconds at 6.”
Dust coverGilded metal“Gilded metal dust-cover.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with bold black radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Engraved or engine-turned reeded border along the bezel.
  • Central inscription reading 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' around a tree insignia and 'JOHN FORREST LONDON'.
  • Gilded pear-style hour hand and slender minute and seconds hands.
  • Fine visible hairlines on the enamel dial surface between the center and numerals.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back are not visible in the primary photograph; mechanism and case back descriptions rely on source catalog documentation.
  • Auction catalog notes the hands are later and the dial is chipped under the bezel.

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

Consulted source

John Forrest Pocket watch; silver | Only Online Auction | Geneva, September 22, 2021

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e767579487

Terms in this record

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

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