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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face keywound lever pocket watch

Joseph Johnson 18K Gold Openface Keywound Lever Pocket Watch, No. 2811

Partially verified

According to the auction catalogue, this openface keywound lever pocket watch was made by Joseph Johnson of Liverpool for the Spanish market, numbered 2811. The source identifies a Birmingham date letter on the 18k gold case corresponding to 1820–1821. Measuring 48 mm in diameter, the watch features an elaborately chased bezel, pendant, and bow. The three-colour gold dial presents sunburst engine turning, applied multi-tone gold floral and foliate borders, applied Roman numerals, and blued steel hands.

Front view of the Joseph Johnson 18k gold openface pocket watch with three-colour gold dial
Front view of the Joseph Johnson 18k gold openface pocket watch with three-colour gold dial — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face keywound lever pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Joseph Johnson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
469
Source-reported date
circa 1820-1821
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2811

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 Case Construction

Catalogued in the auction title as an 18k gold openface keywound lever watch by Joseph Johnson, No. 2811, the timepiece is described as made for the Spanish market. The case is constructed from 18k gold, measures 48 mm in diameter, and is catalogued with a 'Birmingham date letter for 1820-1'.

Direct visual inspection shows foliate chasing and engraving on the bezel, the round pendant, and the wide suspension bow. According to the condition report, the case is 'Partially oxidized, small dents to the case back'.

Evidence for this section
  • “JOSEPH JOHNSON, 18K GOLD OPENFACE KEYWOUND LEVER WATCH MADE FOR THE SPANISH MARKET, NO. 2811”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18K gold”
  • “CASE SIZE: 48 mm. diam.”
  • “CIRCA: Birmingham date letter for 1820-1”
  • “Engraved and chased foliate decoration on the bezel, round pendant, and large suspension bow”
  • “Case: Partially oxidized, small dents to the case back”

Dial and Hands

The cataloguer lists the dial as 'Three colour gold'. Observations of the face show radial engine turning at the center flanked by applied floral and foliate wreaths surrounding the central zone and outer rim.

Hours are marked by applied Roman numeral chapters and read via blued steel hands with heart-shaped tips. The condition report notes the dial as 'Slightly dirty from age'.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Three colour gold”
  • “Three-colour gold dial featuring radial engine turning and applied floral wreaths surrounding the center and edge”
  • “Applied Roman numeral hour chapters and blued steel hands with heart-shaped tips”
  • “Dial: Slightly dirty from age.”

Movement and Condition Notes

The movement is listed as 'Manual' providing 'Time Only' functions. Neither the movement itself nor the internal case hallmarks are visible in the catalogue imagery.

Regarding mechanical function, the condition report states: 'The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended.'

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Time Only”
  • “The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing, consistent with the age of the watch.”
  • “The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended.”

Open research questions

  • What specific inscription or feature inside the case or on the movement documents the lot title's claim that the watch was made for the Spanish market?
  • What specific Birmingham date letter hallmark is stamped inside the 18k gold case?
  • What are the specific movement details (calibre architecture, jewelling, escapement details, and signatures) on movement No. 2811?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Joseph Johnson 18K Gold Openface Keywound Lever Pocket Watch, No. 2811
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18K gold”
Case Size48 mm diameter“CASE SIZE: 48 mm. diam.”
CircaBirmingham date letter for 1820-1“CIRCA: Birmingham date letter for 1820-1”
DialThree colour gold“DIAL: Three colour gold”
MovementManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
FunctionsTime Only“FUNCTIONS: Time Only”
Dial ConditionSlightly dirty from age“Dial: Slightly dirty from age.”
Case ConditionPartially oxidized, small dents to the case back“Case: Partially oxidized, small dents to the case back”
Movement StateNot ticking at cataloguing; not tested for accuracy“The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy.”

Visible details

  • Engraved and chased foliate decoration on the bezel, round pendant, and large suspension bow
  • Three-colour gold dial featuring radial engine turning and applied floral wreaths surrounding the center and edge
  • Applied Roman numeral hour chapters and blued steel hands with heart-shaped tips

Research qualifications

  • Movement and internal case hallmarks are not visible in the provided lot image
  • Source notes the movement was not ticking at the time of cataloguing and case exhibits minor oxidation and dents

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

Consulted source

JOSEPH JOHNSON, 18K GOLD OPENFACE KEYWOUND LEVER WATCH MADE FOR THE SPANISH MARKET, NO. 2811 | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7847069e1d

Terms in this record

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