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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Fusee pocket watch

John Pace of Bury 18K Gold Pocket Watch, 1827

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold pocket watch was crafted by John Pace of Bury and hallmarked in London in 1827. The watch features a round 50mm open-structure gold case with embossed foliate motifs along the edges and an engine-turned case back. The movement is a manual wind fusee type, signed "John Pace Bury" and hand-engraved, incorporating a diamond-set escapement. The dial is constructed from solid 18K gold and displays Roman numeral hour markers in a champagne color, accompanied by original spade hands. A winding aperture is positioned at 1 o'clock. The total weight of the timepiece is 69 grams. The source identifies the style as George III, and the condition is described by the auction house as excellent and in working order. The bow and crown exhibit detailed floral ornamentation and hallmarking.

The obverse of the 18K gold pocket watch, showing the dial, hands, winding aperture, and decorative case edge.
The obverse of the 18K gold pocket watch, showing the dial, hands, winding aperture, and decorative case edge. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Pace
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1827
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
18

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 and Dial

The watch is housed in an open-structure 18K yellow gold case measuring approximately 50mm. The exterior features an engine-turned case back and embossed foliate patterns along the edges. The bow and crown are decorated with a floral motif and include the watch's hallmark.

The dial is manufactured from solid 18K gold, featuring engine-turning and Roman numeral hour markers in a champagne tone. It retains its original spade hands and contains a winding aperture situated at the 1 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case, designed as an open structure, was elegantly crafted with finesse. It is made entirely of 18K yellow gold and measures approximately 50mm in length.”
  • “The edges of the case have been artfully embossed in a foliate motif pattern, while the engine-turned case back is exquisite.”
  • “The dial of the watch is in fantastic condition and is crafted from solid 18K gold.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by a manual wind fusee movement. The caliber is hand-engraved and signed "John Pace Bury" on the mechanism, which is also identified by the serial number 18.

The movement incorporates a diamond-set escapement. The auction description reports that the mechanism is in working order and operates with accuracy.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece's fusee movement is numbered and signed with "John Pace Bury" and is hand-engraved.”
  • “The mechanism boasts a diamond-set escapement and runs exceptionally well with remarkable accuracy.”

Hallmarks and Attribution

The watch was made by John Pace of Bury and carries London hallmarks confirming a manufacture date of 1827. The case is also marked with the number 18.

The auction description categorizes the watch under the George III style, though the date of manufacture falls in 1827. It originates from the United Kingdom.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case bears a London hallmark inside, with a letter date of 1827, and is stamped with the number 18.”
  • “Style: George III”
  • “Place of Origin: United Kingdom”

Open research questions

  • What is the technical configuration of the 'diamond-set escapement' mentioned in the source?
  • Are there documented records of John Pace of Bury that confirm his production output in 1827?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Pace of Bury 18K Gold Pocket Watch, 1827
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohn Pace“Creator: John Pace”
Date of Manufacture1827“Date of Manufacture: 1827”
Material18K Gold“Case Material: 18k Gold”
Weight69 g“Weight: 69 g”
Case Dimensions50 mm“Width: 50 mm (1.97 in)”
Movement TypeFusee manual wind“The timepiece's fusee movement is numbered and signed with "John Pace Bury”
EscapementDiamond-set“The mechanism boasts a diamond-set escapement”
HallmarksLondon 1827“The case bears a London hallmark inside, with a letter date of 1827”

Visible details

  • Solid 18K gold dial with engine-turned texture
  • Floral motif engraving on the bow and crown
  • Foliate embossed pattern on the case edges
  • Winding aperture located at the 1 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to the George III style despite the manufacture date of 1827
  • The exact function and technical details of the 'diamond-set escapement' are not further defined

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

Consulted source

John Pace of Bury, London-hallmarked 18K Gold Pocket Watch, 1827

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8d58b52c8c

Terms in this record

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

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