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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Skeleton pocket watch

New England Watch Co. skeleton duplex pocket watch

Partially verified

This antique open-face skeleton pocket watch is attributed by the seller to the American firm New England Watch Co (NEW Co), dating to circa 1890. The watch is housed in a smooth gunmetal case measuring 52 mm in diameter and 18 mm in depth, accented by a gilt metal bow and fluted crown. Glazed on both sides, the front reveals an openwork gilt skeleton dial featuring stylized Arabic numerals, an integrated subsidiary seconds track, and blued steel filigree hands. The seller reports a gilt three-quarter plate skeletonized movement fitted with a duplex escapement and signed 'NEW Co'.

Dial view of the New England Watch Co. skeleton pocket watch in gunmetal case
Dial view of the New England Watch Co. skeleton pocket watch in gunmetal case — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Skeleton pocket watch
Maker / attribution
New England Watch Co
Reference
4.206 (AB-110791)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm110791
Source-reported date
c1890
Country
United States

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

Dial and Case Construction

The timepiece is housed in an open-face, round gunmetal case designed for two-sided display. According to the seller listing, the case incorporates a snap-on glass front and back with a smooth plain finish, paired with a gilt metal bow and fluted winding crown positioned at 12 o'clock. The seller records overall external dimensions of 52 mm in width and 18 mm in depth.

The visible front displays a gilt skeleton dial with openwork piercing. The dial is laid out with stylized black Arabic hour numerals and an integrated subsidiary seconds scale at 6 o'clock. Indication of time is provided by a set of blued steel filigree hands, under which portions of the gilt gear train and balance spring are observable through the cutaway apertures.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a gunmetal metal case, which has a snap on glass back and front”
  • “The case has a smooth plain finish. The case haws a gilt metal bow”
  • “The watch measures 52mm wide x 18mm deep”
  • “the gilt skeleton dial has a full set of blue steel filigree hands”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The watch is stem wound and stem set. Mechanically, the seller reports that it houses a gilt three-quarter plate skeletonized movement featuring a duplex escapement and signed "NEW Co".

Because the provided photograph only displays the front dial side, the reported duplex escapement, three-quarter plate layout, and signature are not directly observable in the available visual documentation. These internal and reverse specifications rely entirely on the seller's catalog description.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is stem wound / stem set”
  • “the gilt ¾ plate movement is skeletonised and has a duplex escapement and is signed “NEW Co”.”

Attribution and Source Context

The source describes the watch as an American timepiece produced by the New England Watch Co (or NEW Co) and places it circa 1890 within the Victorian period (1837 to 1901). No movement serial number is recorded in the source to corroborate this dating independently.

The listing notes cosmetic condition details, specifically mentioning light fading to the gunmetal along the case sides alongside dealer-assigned percentage ratings. Direct visual inspection of the movement plate engravings and rear glass remains unverified due to the absence of reverse photography.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is an American pocket watch made by the New England Watch Co or NEW Co as they are more commonly known.”
  • “Period Victorian (1837 to 1901)”
  • “light fading to the gunmetal on the sides”

Open research questions

  • What specific serial number or movement markings are stamped on the plates to refine the circa 1890 attribution?
  • Does inspection of the reverse confirm the dealer-reported 'NEW Co' signature and duplex escapement architecture?
  • Are both front and back crystals original glass, or have either been replaced?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for New England Watch Co. skeleton duplex pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerNew England Watch Co (NEW Co)“This is an American pocket watch made by the New England Watch Co or NEW Co as they are more commonly known.”
Movement typeGilt 3/4 plate with duplex escapement“the gilt ¾ plate movement is skeletonised and has a duplex escapement and is signed “NEW Co”.”
Case materialGunmetal with gilt metal bow“the movement comes in a gunmetal metal case, which has a snap on glass back and front”
Winding mechanismStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Dimensions52mm wide x 18mm deep“The watch measures 52mm wide x 18mm deep”
HandsBlue steel filigree hands“the gilt skeleton dial has a full set of blue steel filigree hands”
Case construction styleSnap-on glass front and back with smooth plain finish“which has a snap on glass back and front – so that both the dial and movement are visible as is the skeleton movement. The case has a smooth plain finish.”
Reported case wearLight fading to gunmetal on sides“light fading to the gunmetal on the sides”

Visible details

  • Openwork gilt chapter ring with stylized black Arabic hour numerals and a 6 o'clock subsidiary seconds scale.
  • Dark gunmetal round case fitted with an oval gilt bow and matching fluted winding crown at 12 o'clock.
  • Gilt gear train and balance spring visible beneath the open dial and central filigree hands.

Research qualifications

  • Movement plates, escapement type, and maker signature are on the reverse, which is not depicted in the provided photograph; these details rely entirely on source reporting.
  • Condition percentages represent dealer assessments.

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

Consulted source

New England Watch Co NEW Co skeleton duplex pocket watch c1890 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 552aed34b1

Terms in this record

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

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