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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Kessels Altona Silver Openface Pocket Watch, No. 1339

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch is attributed by the source to Kessels Altona and numbered 1339. Housed in a 56 mm silver case, it presents a white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers, an outer track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The auction catalog describes the timepiece as powered by a key-wound time-only movement. The case reportedly features hallmarks dated to 1834 alongside the maker's stamp of Charles Muston (CM).

Front view of the Kessels Altona silver openface pocket watch no. 1339.
Front view of the Kessels Altona silver openface pocket watch no. 1339. — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Kessels Altona
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
283
Source-reported date
circa 1825
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
1339

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 Dial

The timepiece features a white enamel dial bearing the inscription 'KESSELS. ALTONA' and the number '1339'. The dial design incorporates black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position.

The condition report characterizes the dial as 'original, crisp' with some light soiling attributed to the age of the piece. The report notes that the minute hand exhibits signs of repair, and the seconds hand is identified as a likely later replacement.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: White enamel”
  • “Dial: Original, crisp. Slightly dirty, normal for the age of the watch. Seconds hand probably later, Minute hand with repair.”
  • “Dial inscribed 'KESSELS. ALTONA' above the number '1339'.”

Case Construction and Markings

The watch is housed in a 56 mm silver open-face case. The interior of the case cover features hallmarks and numbers.

The case is stamped by maker Charles Muston (CM) and bears hallmarks cited by the source as dating to 1834. The condition report notes that the crystal does not hold fully and that the case exhibits slight surface wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Silver”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 56 mm.”
  • “Case stamped by case maker Charles Muston (CM), Hallmarks are dated of 1834”
  • “Case: In generally very good overall condition, very slight surface wear and hallmarks and numbers to the inside cover. The Crystal only holds to a certain extent.”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The timepiece is powered by a key-wound movement, described as having time-only functions. The movement was not functional at the time of cataloging.

The condition report states the movement is not ticking and contains loose parts resting against the inside of the case back. A service is recommended by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Key-wound”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Time only”
  • “Movement: The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing. The movement shows some losing parts, still present to the inside case back. A service is highly required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”

Open research questions

  • What is the documented professional relationship between the Kessels firm of Altona and the London-based case maker Charles Muston?
  • Do the 1834 hallmarks on the case suggest the watch was cased post-production, given the circa 1825 estimated date?
  • What specific components are described as 'losing parts' inside the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Kessels Altona Silver Openface Pocket Watch, No. 1339
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter56 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 56 mm.”
Case materialSilver“CASE MATERIAL: Silver”
DialWhite enamel“DIAL: White enamel”
Movement typeKey-wound“MOVEMENT: Key-wound”
Estimated dateCirca 1825“CIRCA: 1825”
Case makerCharles Muston (CM)“Case stamped by case maker Charles Muston (CM)”
Hallmark date1834“Hallmarks are dated of 1834”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial displaying black Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock register.
  • Circular bow attached to a spherical pendant atop the silver case.
  • Dial inscribed 'KESSELS. ALTONA' above the number '1339'.

Research qualifications

  • The source condition report notes the movement is not ticking and exhibits loose parts inside the case back.
  • Internal movement and inner case back hallmarks are not visible in the provided image.
  • Condition notes state the seconds hand is probably later and the minute hand has a repair.

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

Consulted source

KESSELS ALTONA, SILVER OPENFACE POCKET WATCH, NO. 1339, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 04e904d48f

Terms in this record

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

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