Pocket watch · Fusee pair case pocket watch

Joseph Johnson English Fusee Pair Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique English pair-case pocket watch is catalogued under maker Joseph Johnson and dated circa 1802. Measuring 51 mm in diameter, the timepiece features a gold outer case decorated with a floral motif and houses a key-wound movement described by Christie's as an English fusee. The multi-colored gold dial features engine-turned and chased relief work, applied Roman numerals, central hour and minute hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. Accompaniments reported by the auction house include a winding key and three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris set inside the outer case.

Dial and case front view of the Joseph Johnson gold pair-case pocket watch — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: onlineonly.christies.com
Category: Pocket watch · Fusee pair case pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Joseph Johnson
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 224
Source-reported date: circa 1802
Country: United Kingdom

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 Attribution

Christie's catalogued this pocket watch under the title "JOSEPH JOHNSON, ENGLISH FUSEE PAIR CASE POCKET WATCH" with a stated circa date of 1802. Because the movement is not illustrated in the available lot photo, the maker attribution to Joseph Johnson and the fusee pair-case designation rely on the auction house description.

According to the condition report, the inside case back bears watchmaker's marks along with lightly rubbed hallmarks. Specific assay marks, maker's punches, and date letters are not detailed in the source text.

Evidence for this section

“JOSEPH JOHNSON, ENGLISH FUSEE PAIR CASE POCKET WATCH”
“CIRCA: 1802”
“The inside case back has watchmaker’s marks and the hallmarks are lightly rubbed.”

Case Construction and Physical Condition

The case diameter is recorded as 51 mm, with the case material specified as a gold outer case decorated with a floral motif. Visible observations of the front assembly show a circular bow mounted to a chased floral pendant above the 12 o'clock position, along with the hinge and lip of the circular case enclosing the crystal and dial.

The auction condition report notes wear commensurate with age, specifically observing that the outer case displays signs of wear, the watch case has dents on the 3 o'clock side with light scratches throughout, and the crystal shows light signs of wear. Catalogued accessories comprise a key and three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris set in the inside of the outer case.

Evidence for this section

“CASE DIAMETER: 51mm”
“CASE MATERIAL: Gold outer with floral motif”
“Circular bow attached to a chased floral pendant above the 12 o'clock position.”
“The watch case has some dents to it on the 3 o’clock side and light scratches throughout.”
“The three sets of service paperwork are set in the inside of the outer case.”
“ACCESSORIES: Three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris, key”

Dial Presentation and Movement Reporting

The dial is listed in the catalogue as a multi-colored gold dial. Visual inspection confirms an engine-turned ground embellished with applied floral chased decoration rendered in yellow, rose, and white/green tones, with applied Roman numerals marking the hours and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock fitted with a dark blued-steel hand.

Christie's categorizes the movement type as key-wind. The condition report states that the movement was in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch, but notes that it had not been tested for accuracy.

Evidence for this section

“DIAL: Multi-colored gold dial”
“Multi-colored gold dial with engine-turned ground and applied floral chased decoration in yellow, rose, and white/green tones.”
“Applied Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock with a dark blued-steel hand.”
“MOVEMENT: Key-wind”
“The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy.”

Open research questions

What specific hallmarks and watchmaker's marks are stamped or inscribed on the inner and outer case backs?
How is the movement signed, numbered, and constructed, and what escapement type is employed?
What dates, addresses, and details are written on the three sets of J.A.S Harris service papers housed inside the outer case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Joseph Johnson English Fusee Pair Case Pocket Watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Circa Date	1802	“CIRCA: 1802”
Case Diameter	51mm	“CASE DIAMETER: 51mm”
Case Material	Gold outer with floral motif	“CASE MATERIAL: Gold outer with floral motif”
Dial	Multi-colored gold dial	“DIAL: Multi-colored gold dial”
Movement	Key-wind	“MOVEMENT: Key-wind”
Accessories	Three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris, key	“ACCESSORIES: Three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris, key”
Box	No	“BOX: No”
Papers	No	“PAPERS: No”

Visible details

Multi-colored gold dial with engine-turned ground and applied floral chased decoration in yellow, rose, and white/green tones.
Applied Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock with a dark blued-steel hand.
Circular bow attached to a chased floral pendant above the 12 o'clock position.
Visible hinge and lip of the circular case enclosing the crystal and dial.

Research qualifications

The internal movement is not depicted in the image; fusee mechanism, maker signature, and hallmarks are source-reported.
The outer case back, inner case construction, and accompanying service papers are not visible in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

JOSEPH JOHNSON, ENGLISH FUSEE PAIR CASE POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 306764d0bb

Terms in this record

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