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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Center seconds pocket watch

Just & Son Chinese Market Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This large center seconds pocket watch, numbered 2933, was produced by Just & Son of London, specifically for the Chinese market around 1870. The timepiece is housed in a three-body 'Empire' style gilt case, featuring a spring-loaded back decorated with a painted enamel scene depicting Rinaldo and Armida. The bezel, pendant, and bow are set with pearls. The watch includes a white convex enamel dial with narrow radial Roman numerals and outer minute and seconds divisions, paired with ovoid gold hands. Internally, the 47 mm movement is gilt and entirely engraved with foliate scrolls in a specific Chinese caliber style. It is constructed with a free-standing barrel, a duplex escapement, a polished steel three-arm balance, a flat balance spring, an index regulator, and a diamond endstone. A gilt cuvette is fixed to the movement ring. The case features faux English hallmarks.

Front view of the Just & Son pocket watch showing the enamel-set case back and pearl-decorated pendant and bow.
Front view of the Just & Son pocket watch showing the enamel-set case back and pearl-decorated pendant and bow. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Center seconds pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Just & Son
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
206
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
London (attributed)
Source-reported serial
2933

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 Exterior Details

The watch is presented in a three-body 'Empire' style case with a diameter of 58 mm. The exterior components, specifically the bezels, the pendant, and the bow, are decorated with inset pearls, a design characteristic associated with watches produced for the Chinese market during this era.

The dial is composed of convex white enamel. It is marked with narrow radial Roman numerals and includes outer divisions for minutes and seconds. Time is indicated by gold ovoid hands. Internally, the movement is protected by a gilt cuvette, which is fixed to the movement ring.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, "Empire", spring-loaded back set with a painted on enamel scene of Rinaldo and Armida, pearl-set bezels, pendant and bow.”
  • “White enamel, convex, large narrow radial Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions. Gold ovoid hands.”
  • “Gilt cuvette fixed to the movement ring.”

Movement and Caliber

The movement measures 47 mm and follows a specific Chinese caliber design. The plates and bridges are gilt and feature complete coverage of foliate scroll engraving. The technical specifications include a free-standing barrel and a duplex escapement. The regulation is managed via an index regulator, and the balance assembly consists of a polished steel three-arm balance, a flat balance spring, and a diamond endstone.

The watch is signed on the movement. While the case carries hallmarks, the auction description specifies that these are faux English hallmarks rather than genuine assay marks.

Evidence for this section
  • “47 mm., gilt, entirely engraved with foliate scrolls, Chinese caliber, free-standing barrel, duplex escapement, polished steel threearm balance, flat balance spring, index regulator, diamond endstone.”
  • “Movement signed, case with faux English hallmarks.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description provides a grading for the watch components, categorizing the case, movement, and dial under an 'A' grade system. Additionally, the dial is reported to have sustained a chip.

The object is attributed to the London-based firm Just & Son and dated to approximately 1870. The construction and aesthetic choices, such as the specific caliber and the decorative enamel work, are attributed to the manufacturing practices for the Chinese market.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Chipped”
  • “Made for the Chinese market, circa 1870.”

Open research questions

  • What specific workshop or enameller was responsible for the Rinaldo and Armida enamel plaque?
  • Are the 'faux' hallmarks based on a specific English assay office's marks, and what does this suggest about the provenance of the case manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Just & Son Chinese Market Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJust & Son“Just & Son, London”
Serial Number2933“No. 2933”
Datecirca 1870“circa 1870”
MarketChinese“Made for the Chinese market”
Case TypeEmpire, three-body“Three-body, "Empire", spring-loaded back”
EscapementDuplex“duplex escapement”
Movement DecorationFoliate scrolls“entirely engraved with foliate scrolls”
Case HallmarksFaux English“case with faux English hallmarks”

Visible details

  • Back of the case features a painted enamel scene of Rinaldo and Armida.
  • Bezel, pendant, and bow are adorned with a border of small pearls.
  • Dial is white enamel with convex curvature and narrow radial Roman numerals.
  • Movement is decorated with extensive foliate scroll engraving.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description notes faux English hallmarks on the case.
  • Condition report indicates a chip on the dial and suggests an overhaul at the buyer's expense.

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

Consulted source

Rinaldo & Armida Just & Son, London, No. 2933. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1870. Fine, large, gilt and painted on enamel, pearl-set, center seconds pocket watch with duplex escapement. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 2cb3aea413

Terms in this record

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

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