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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch

M. J. Tobias Liverpool 18K Gold Key Wind Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique open face pocket watch dates to the mid-19th century and features Swiss manufacture produced for export under the commercial attribution of M. J. Tobias Liverpool. Encased in 18k yellow gold measuring 45.4 mm in diameter, the piece includes an ornately engraved case body and coin edge rim. Its gold dial displays an engraved lakeside scene depicting architecture and hills, framed by applied gold Roman numerals and dot minute markers. Time is indicated by blued steel hands with subsidiary seconds situated at 6 o'clock beneath a dimpled crystal.

Front view showing dial, hands, engraved scene, and winding key
Front view showing dial, hands, engraved scene, and winding key — Secondhand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
M. J. Tobias (attributed export name; Swiss manufacture)
Reference
WA-4045
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
mid-1800s
Country
Switzerland

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 Provenance

This timepiece is an antique, key-wind open-face pocket watch described as dating from the mid-1800s. While the dust cover bears the inscription "M. J. Tobias Liverpool," it is identified as a Swiss-manufactured watch produced for export, with the "Tobias" name utilized as a marketing designation.

The watch is listed with the stock reference WA-4045 and includes a winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dated from mid-1800s, this is an antique M. J. Tobias Liverpool key wind open face pocket watch.”
  • “Swiss movement, Swiss case, and with the name "M. J. Tobias Liverpool" on the dust cover, this is a Swiss pocket watch made for export, using the name "Tobias" as a marketing ploy.”
  • “The key is included.”

Case Construction

The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold case measuring 45.4 mm in diameter and 11.8 mm in thickness. The exterior features engraving on the back and sides, alongside a coin-edge rim.

Internal markings on the dust cover include: "1810 K18 M. J. Tobias Liverpool Hands Detached Lever Full Jewelled."

Evidence for this section
  • “Cased in a 45.4mm round YELLOW 18K case with gorgeous engraving on the back and sides, coin edge design as well.”
  • “Case Markings: 1810 K18 M. J. Tobias Liverpool Hands Detached Lever Full Jewelled”
  • “Case Diameter 45.4”
  • “Case Thickness 11.8”

Dial and Visual Features

The gold dial features an engraved vignette depicting two buildings beside a lake. The time is displayed via applied gold Roman numerals and dot minute markers, with blued steel hands.

A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock, and the assembly is fronted by a dimpled crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold dial beautifully decorated engraved with two buildings beside a lake.”
  • “The dial features gold Roman Numerals applied and dots as minute marks. The sub-second hand is located at 6 o'clock position, blue steel hands.”
  • “Dimpled crystal.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the '1810' mark on the dust cover?
  • Does the 'Detached Lever' inscription correspond to a specific Swiss caliber architecture?
  • Are there additional Swiss hallmarks present on the case that further clarify its manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for M. J. Tobias Liverpool 18K Gold Key Wind Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18K yellow gold“Cased in a 45.4mm round YELLOW 18K case”
Case diameter45.4 mm“Case Diameter 45.4”
Case thickness11.8 mm“Case Thickness 11.8”
Dust cover marking1810 K18 M. J. Tobias Liverpool Hands Detached Lever Full Jewelled“Case Markings: 1810 K18 M. J. Tobias Liverpool Hands Detached Lever Full Jewelled”
Dial descriptionGold dial engraved with two buildings beside a lake“Gold dial beautifully decorated engraved with two buildings beside a lake.”
OriginSwiss movement and case made for export“Swiss movement, Swiss case, and with the name "M. J. Tobias Liverpool" on the dust cover, this is a Swiss pocket watch made for export”
Case diameter including crown55 mm“Case Diameter w/Crown 55”

Visible details

  • Engraved central dial vignette depicts buildings, a bridge, and water against mountains.
  • Radial fluting surrounds the chapter ring beneath applied Roman numerals.
  • Watch key is positioned horizontally below the watch bow and case in the stand.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes the M. J. Tobias Liverpool name was used as a Swiss trade export marketing designation rather than indicating English manufacture.
  • Internal movement bridges and train are not displayed in the provided images.

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

Consulted source

Antique M. J. TOBIAS Liverpool Key Wind Pocket Watch 18K Gold Open Fac – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record b9bba04e17

Terms in this record

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

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