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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Non-Magnetic Watch Co. / Peoria Watch Co. 18-Size Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18-size pocket watch dates to circa 1890 according to source documentation, constructed with a movement made by the Peoria Watch Co. and acquired by the Non-Magnetic Watch Co. of America. The stem-wound and lever-set nickel full-plate movement features 15 jewels, a lever escapement, a micrometer regulator, and Paillard's patent non-magnetic balance and hairspring, bearing serial number 36077. It is housed in a white metal Silverode open-face case measuring 58 mm wide by 20 mm deep, featuring a screw-off back and bezel, with a train engraved on the case back. The white enamel dial is signed 'Non Magnetic Watch Co.' with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial.

Dial and front view of the open-face pocket watch
Dial and front view of the open-face pocket watch — Atlam Watches / Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Peoria Watch Co. / Non-Magnetic Watch Co. of America
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm70222
Source-reported date
c. 1890
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
36077

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 Exterior Presentation

Visual observation shows an open-face pocket watch configuration fitted with a white enamel dial, black Roman numeral hour markers, and an outer railway track chapter ring. The time is indicated by blued steel spade hour and minute hands, complemented by a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock featuring Arabic numerals. The dial is signed 'NON-MAGNETIC WATCH CO.' directly beneath the 12 o'clock marker.

The movement is fitted into an open-face case constructed from Silverode white metal, measuring 58 mm wide by 20 mm deep. The exterior includes a ribbed onion winding crown and bow at the top, along with a mineral glass crystal. According to the seller's description, the case incorporates a screw-off back and bezel, with an engraving of a train on the reverse, though this rear decoration is not visible in the front-facing photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and outer railway track”
  • “white metal silverode open face case, which has a screw off back and bezel. The case is engraved with a train on the back”
  • “The watch measures 58mm wide x 20mm deep”
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”
  • “Open-face silver-toned case with ribbed onion winding crown and bow at top”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided image, but source documentation describes it as an 18-size, stem-wound and lever-set nickel full-plate movement. It was originally manufactured by the Peoria Watch Co. and acquired by the Non-Magnetic Watch Co. of America, which reportedly fitted it with Paillard's patent non-magnetic, inoxidizable compensation balance and hairspring.

The movement is reported to feature 15 jewels, a lever escapement, and a micrometer regulator. According to the seller, it is inscribed on the plate as 'Non Magnetic Watch Co of America, Paillard’s Patent, Balance and Spring, Adjusted' and bears the serial number 36077.

Evidence for this section
  • “This pocket watch was made by the Peoria watch co and the movement was purchased by the Non-Magnetic Watch Co of America and had the Paillard’s Patent non Magnetic, inoxidizable compensation balance and hairspring added.”
  • “Movement – the nickel full plate movement has a lever escapement, a micrometer regulator and 15 jewels. The movement is signed “Non Magnetic Watch Co of America, Paillard’s Patent, Balance and Spring, Adjusted” #36077”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”
  • “18s 15J Non Magnetic Watch Co. Peoria pocket watch c1890 in Antique Pocket Watches”

Documentation and Chronological Discrepancies

The listing provides conflicting chronological data across its text and structured metadata. While the primary listing title and description suggest an approximate manufacture date of circa 1890—referencing an 1887 advertisement in the journal of Locomotive Engineers regarding Paillard's non-magnetic components—the site's technical metadata categorizes the object under 'Period Late 20th Century'.

Physical inspection is further limited by the absence of interior case markings and movement photographs in the listing. As a result, movement inscriptions, internal serial numbering, and the condition of the rear train engraving cannot be independently confirmed beyond the seller's cataloguing statements.

Evidence for this section
  • “18s 15J Non Magnetic Watch Co. Peoria pocket watch c1890 in Antique Pocket Watches”
  • “Period Late 20th Century”
  • “According to the journal of “Locomotive Engineers” in 1887, the advert stated that these watches fitted with Paillard’s patent were under influenced by magnetism of electricity.”

Open research questions

  • What specific case manufacturer marks or trademarks are stamped inside the screw-off Silverode case back?
  • Can direct examination of movement #36077 confirm Peoria Watch Co. factory stamping beneath the plates or dial?
  • Why does the database metadata list 'Period Late 20th Century' when the watch movement and design correspond to c. 1890?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Non-Magnetic Watch Co. / Peoria Watch Co. 18-Size Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement maker and supplierPeoria Watch Co. movement supplied to Non-Magnetic Watch Co. of America“This pocket watch was made by the Peoria watch co and the movement was purchased by the Non-Magnetic Watch Co of America”
Jewel count15 jewels“micrometer regulator and 15 jewels”
Movement serial number36077“#36077”
Case materialWhite metal silverode“white metal silverode open face case”
Dimensions58 mm wide x 20 mm deep“The watch measures 58mm wide x 20mm deep”
Winding and settingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”
Crystal typeMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass”
Reported movement inscriptionNon Magnetic Watch Co of America, Paillard’s Patent, Balance and Spring, Adjusted“The movement is signed “Non Magnetic Watch Co of America, Paillard’s Patent, Balance and Spring, Adjusted” #36077”
Case decorationFaint engraved train on rear“The case is engraved with a train on the back. The rest of the case has a smooth plain finish and is in 95% mint condition – the engraving on the case is quite faint”

Visible details

  • Open-face silver-toned case with ribbed onion winding crown and bow at top
  • White enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and outer railway track
  • Blued steel spade hour and minute hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals
  • Dial inscribed 'NON-MAGNETIC WATCH CO.' beneath the 12 o'clock marker

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, train engraving on the rear cover, and case interior are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • The site metadata lists 'Period Late 20th Century', which directly conflicts with the item title and description dating of c. 1890.

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

Consulted source

18s 15J Non Magnetic Watch Co. Peoria pocket watch c1890 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5a01a24f00

Terms in this record

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

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