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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating openface pocket watch

Minute repeating openface pocket watch

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch dates to circa 1930 and features a minute repeating complication. Encased in 18k yellow gold measuring 50 mm in diameter, the timepiece is powered by a manual three-quarter plate lever escapement movement. Both the case, cuvette, and movement bear the number 47'048 according to the auction catalogue. The watch presents a white dial with black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer railway minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial located above the 6 o'clock position.

Dial and case view of the yellow gold minute repeating openface pocket watch
Dial and case view of the yellow gold minute repeating openface pocket watch — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating openface pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
922
Source-reported date
Circa 1930
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
47’048

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 Components

The pocket watch is an openface model measuring 50 mm in diameter and cased in 18k yellow gold. Visible exterior fittings include a fluted crown, bow, and a repeating slide positioned along the case perimeter.

According to the catalogue entry, the case and cuvette are numbered 47’048, matching the movement number. No specific casemaker hallmarks or purity stamps are transcribed in the lot details.

Evidence for this section
  • “50mm Diameter”
  • “18k yellow gold”
  • “Fluted crown, bow, and slide along the 18k yellow gold case perimeter”
  • “Case No 47’048”
  • “Signed Case, cuvette and movement numbered”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The auction catalogue describes the calibre as a manual three-quarter plate movement with a lever escapement, featuring a minute repeating complication. The movement bears number 47’048.

The essay notes the repeating mechanism produces a striking tone, describing the watch as having a "clear rich tone." Specific mechanical parameters such as jewel count, gong layout, or base blank origins are not detailed in the available text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Manual three quarter plate lever escapement”
  • “Movement No 47’048”
  • “present minute repeating timepiece has a clear rich tone”

Attribution and Dating

The auctioneer dates the watch to circa 1930 without referencing an archival extract or maker records. No manufacturer or brand name is attributed to the timepiece in the lot description.

The lot description reports the watch as being in "very nice original condition," reflecting the seller's cataloguing commentary rather than an independent technical assessment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circa 1930”
  • “In very nice original condition, the present minute repeating timepiece has a clear rich tone and is a fine example of early 20th- century horology.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker or casemaker trademarks stamped inside the case back or on the cuvette alongside number 47'048?
  • Can the ebauche manufacturer of the three-quarter plate repeating movement be identified from internal bridge and hammer architecture?
  • What specific archival or stylistic criteria supported the circa 1930 dating assigned by the auction house?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Minute repeating openface pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
YearCirca 1930“Circa 1930”
Movement Number47’048“47’048”
Case Number47’048“47’048”
Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
CalibreManual three quarter plate lever escapement“Manual three quarter plate lever escapement”
Dimensions50mm Diameter“50mm Diameter”
MarkingsCase, cuvette and movement numbered“Signed Case, cuvette and movement numbered”
Auction ResultHK$15,000“Sold For HK$15,000”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Blued steel spade and whip style hands with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Fluted crown, bow, and slide along the 18k yellow gold case perimeter

Research qualifications

  • No maker or brand signature is recorded in the catalogue or visible on the dial
  • Internal movement and case back details are documented solely by the auction house description

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

Consulted source

A fine yellow gold minute repeating openface pocket watch The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8c4c3f1f47

Terms in this record

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