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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Oignon pocket watch with striking and repetition

London “oignon” pocket watch in original case

Partially verified

This early English pocket watch, catalogued as an oignon type, is dated by the auction house to the second quarter of the 18th century and is signed by London maker John Berry. It features an 18k gold inner watch measuring 6 cm in diameter, paired with an outer protective case ornamented with green leather on copper and black enamel. The gilt dial is engraved with scrolling decoration, Roman hour numerals, Arabic five-minute divisions, and the maker's name. According to the source, it houses a day-running movement featuring movement number 826, repetition, and hourly striking on a bell.

Front view of the gold pocket watch alongside its open outer case
Front view of the gold pocket watch alongside its open outer case — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Pocket watch · Oignon pocket watch with striking and repetition
Maker / attribution
John Berry
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1520
Source-reported date
Second quarter 18th C.
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
826

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

This timepiece is categorized as an 'oignon' pocket watch, attributed to the maker John Berry. The auction house dates the watch to the second quarter of the 18th century.

The identification is based on inscriptions found on the watch. The dial is engraved with the name 'BERRY', and the movement plate is engraved 'John Berry / London 826', with 826 cited as the movement number.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved on the dial "BERRY" and on the plate "John Berry / London 826" (movement number).”
  • “Second quarter 18th C.”

Construction and Exterior

The item is an 18k gold watch measuring 6 cm in diameter. It is paired with an outer protective case decorated with green leather on copper, black enamel, and incorporates blued steel, brass, and glazing.

The dial features a central cartouche engraved with the maker's name amidst foliate scrollwork. The watch is presented in its original case.

Evidence for this section
  • “D 6 cm.”
  • “18k gold watch decorated with black enamel and green leather on copper, blued steel, brass and glazing.”

Mechanism and Function

The watch is equipped with a day-running movement. Mechanical functions include an hourly striking mechanism that operates on a bell, as well as a repetition function.

Specific details regarding the internal construction of the movement plates or the repeating architecture are not recorded in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Day-running movement with hourly striking on a bell and repetition.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific technical components of the striking and repetition mechanism in movement 826?
  • How does the case composition and decoration align with documented London watchmaking of the second quarter of the 18th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for London “oignon” pocket watch in original case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter6 cm“D 6 cm.”
Materials18k gold, black enamel, green leather on copper, blued steel, brass, and glazing“18k gold watch decorated with black enamel and green leather on copper, blued steel, brass and glazing.”
Movement functionsDay-running movement with hourly striking on a bell and repetition“Day-running movement with hourly striking on a bell and repetition.”
Inscriptions"BERRY" on dial; "John Berry / London 826" on plate“Engraved on the dial "BERRY" and on the plate "John Berry / London 826" (movement number).”
PeriodSecond quarter 18th C.“Second quarter 18th C.”
Maker referenceBaillie, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World (1966)“This maker listed in Baillie, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, London 1966, p. 25.”
ProvenancePrivate collection, Palatinate“Provenance Private collection, Palatinate.”
Comparative studyThomas Tompion oignon“Cf. A presumably slightly earlier oignon with a similar case by Thomas Tompion, London (in Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585 - 1970, 2009, plate 78.)”

Visible details

  • Gilt champlevé or engraved dial with Roman numerals for hours and an outer ring for five-minute intervals in Arabic numerals.
  • Central cartouche on the dial engraved with the name 'BERRY' amid foliate scrollwork.
  • Pendant with an oval-shaped suspension bow situated at 12 o'clock.
  • Dark, mottled outer case rimmed in metal with decorative pinwork along the exterior.

Research qualifications

  • The movement mechanism and inner plate engraving are not visible in the provided image.
  • The reverse of the watch case is not shown.

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

Consulted source

A London “oignon” pocket watch in the original case - Lot 1520

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 031b2929a5

Terms in this record

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