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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch

Joseph Johnson 18kt Gold Hunter-Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is an 18kt gold hunting-case timepiece attributed by the auction source to Joseph Johnson of Liverpool. Measuring 58 mm in diameter and weighing 169 g, the watch features a fully engraved gold case marked with number 4007. The source describes a swing-out, key-wind chain fusee movement fitted with Liverpool windows, an engraved balance cock inscribed 'Detached/Patent', and the maker's name. The visible white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals, slender blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

Front view of open hunter-case pocket watch showing white enamel dial and engraved gold case
Front view of open hunter-case pocket watch showing white enamel dial and engraved gold case — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Joseph Johnson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
5
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
4007

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 Construction and Exterior Form

The timepiece is an 18kt gold hunting-case pocket watch measuring 58 mm in diameter and weighing 169 g. Visible exterior elements include ornate gold-toned fluted case edges, a pendant, and a circular bow situated at the 3 o'clock position relative to the dial. The hinged front cover opens towards the left, showing relief scroll engraving across its outer surface.

The auction catalog reports a fully engraved case marked "4007". The catalog description notes "little wear to case", but specific hallmarks, assay marks, or casemaker stamps are not recorded in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “dia. 58 mm, 169g.”
  • “Ornate gold-toned fluted case edges, pendant, and circular bow situated at the 3 o'clock dial position”
  • “Hinged front hunter cover opened towards the left, revealing relief scroll engraving on the outer surface”
  • “fully engraved case marked "4007"”
  • “little wear to case”

Dial Display and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals marking the hours and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. Hands visible on the face include a slender blued steel hour hand, minute hand, and subsidiary seconds hand.

The auction catalog describes the dial as an "enamel roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds" and adds the condition remark "clean dial and hands."

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial featuring black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock”
  • “Slender blued steel hands including a central hour hand, minute hand, and subsidiary seconds hand”
  • “enamel roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds”
  • “clean dial and hands.”

Reported Movement and Internal Inscriptions

The movement mechanism and internal case surfaces are not visible in the provided photograph. According to the auction lot description, the watch contains a swing-out, key-wind, chain fusee movement fitted with Liverpool windows, bearing the maker's name and associated with Liverpool, no. 4007.

The catalog further notes an engraved balance cock reading "Detached/Patent,". In assessing operational status, the catalog records that the watch is "currently ticking but does not stay running."

Evidence for this section
  • “Liverpool, no. 4007”
  • “swing-out, key-wind, chain fusee movement with Liverpool windows”
  • “engraved balance cock reading "Detached/Patent,"”
  • “currently ticking but does not stay running”

Open research questions

  • What specific gold hallmarks, date letters, and casemaker sponsor marks are stamped on the interior cuvette and case lids?
  • How is the maker's name phrased and laid out on the movement plate alongside the reported 'Detached/Patent' balance cock inscription?
  • What mechanical issue or escapement condition prevents the chain fusee movement from staying running despite ticking?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Joseph Johnson 18kt Gold Hunter-Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionJoseph Johnson“Joseph Johnson 18kt Gold Hunter-case Watch”
Location and Serial / Case NumberLiverpool, no. 4007“Liverpool, no. 4007, fully engraved case marked "4007"”
Movement MechanismKey-wind chain fusee with Liverpool windows“swing-out, key-wind, chain fusee movement with Liverpool windows”
Balance Cock InscriptionDetached/Patent“engraved balance cock reading "Detached/Patent,"”
Dial ConfigurationEnamel Roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds“enamel roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds”
Dimensions and WeightDiameter 58 mm, weight 169 g“dia. 58 mm, 169g.”
Case Condition AssessmentReported by seller as showing little wear“little wear to case”
Operational StatusReported by seller as currently ticking but not staying running“currently ticking but does not stay running”
Dial and Hands ConditionReported by seller as clean“clean dial and hands.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Slender blued steel hands including a central hour hand, minute hand, and subsidiary seconds hand
  • Hinged front hunter cover opened towards the left, revealing relief scroll engraving on the outer surface
  • Ornate gold-toned fluted case edges, pendant, and circular bow situated at the 3 o'clock dial position

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement mechanism, fusee chain, and internal inscriptions described in the auction text are not visible in the photograph
  • Source reports the watch is currently ticking but does not stay running

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

Consulted source

Joseph Johnson 18kt Gold Hunter-case Watch sold at auction on 11th October | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record cc8d141a53

Terms in this record

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

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