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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

John R. Arnold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, attributed to John R. Arnold of London, is dated between 1830 and 1840. The piece is constructed from 18-karat yellow gold and measures 56 mm in diameter. It features a four-part case design with an exterior guilloché back. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and a precise minute track, complemented by heat-blued steel Poire-style hands. The watch functions as a key-wound movement, which includes a minute-repeating complication activated by a pusher mechanism. Internally, the watch utilizes a gilt plate and full bridge, incorporating an English club-tooth lever escapement and a bimetallic compensation regulator, documented in the listing as being of the John Harrison type. Time and complication settings are performed using a key. This specimen carries the movement number 1824.

Front view of the 56 mm John R. Arnold pocket watch showing the white enamel dial and blued steel Poire hands.
Front view of the 56 mm John R. Arnold pocket watch showing the white enamel dial and blued steel Poire hands. — Dobiaschofsky Auktionen AG / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John R. Arnold
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206824385
Source-reported date
1830-1840
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1824

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 Description

The watch is housed in an 18-karat yellow gold case, characterized by a four-part construction. The exterior of the back cover features a guilloché pattern, adding decorative texture to the metallic surface. The overall diameter of the case is recorded as 56 mm.

The dial is finished in white enamel and follows a clear layout for legibility. It features black Roman numeral hour markers encircling the center, set against an outer track for minute divisions. The time is displayed via a set of blued steel hands, specifically in the Poire style, which provide contrast against the white enamel background.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vierteiliges Modell mit Mineralglas”
  • “Aussendeckel guillochiert”
  • “Weisses Email-Zifferblatt mit Minuteneinteilung, schwarzen römischen Stundenziffern und braun angelassenen Poire-Stahlzeigern”

Movement and Technical Features

The internal mechanism is built upon a gilt plate featuring a full bridge. It employs a key-wound system, which also serves for setting the hands. The movement is catalogued with the serial number 1824.

Technical execution includes an English club-tooth lever escapement. Furthermore, the movement integrates a minute-repeating complication, which is triggered by an external pusher. Regulation is managed by a bimetallic compensation device associated with the work of John Harrison.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vergoldete Platine und Vollbrücke”
  • “englische Spitzzahn-Ankerhemmung und Bimetall-Kompensationsrücker von John Harrison”
  • “Minutenrepetition (Aktivierung mittels Drücker)”

Identification and Attribution

The object is identified as a pocket watch attributed to John R. Arnold, based in London. The dating is established to the period between 1830 and 1840. The watch is classified as a Lépine-style pocket watch within the auction documentation.

Documentation for this specific example references a movement number of 1824. While these details are provided, the auction house notes that independent authentication of the type and maker remains a subject for further research.

Evidence for this section
  • “John R. Arnold, London”
  • “Jahr: Um 1830-1840”
  • “LÉPINE-TASCHENUHR”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 1824 correspond to known John R. Arnold production registers?
  • Is the inclusion of a John Harrison style bimetallic regulator typical for Arnold watches of this specific decade?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John R. Arnold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohn R. Arnold“Manufaktur: John R. Arnold, London”
Movement Number1824“Werk-Nr.: 1824”
Material18kt Yellow Gold“Material: Gelbgold 18 kt.”
Diameter56 mm“Grösse: Ø 56 mm”
ComplicationMinute repetition“Minutenrepetition (Aktivierung mittels Drücker)”
EscapementEnglish club-tooth lever“englische Spitzzahn-Ankerhemmung”
RegulatorBimetallic compensation regulator“Bimetall-Kompensationsrücker von John Harrison”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Heat-blued steel Poire hands
  • Yellow gold case with guilloché decoration
  • Key-wound configuration

Research qualifications

  • Independent type authentication remains research required
  • Attribution to John R. Arnold is subject to wider verification

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch, John R. Arnold, London, 1830-1840

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f2df710f2b

Terms in this record

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

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