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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Open-face 18ct gold pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is constructed with an 18ct gold case featuring machine engraving. The movement is a three-quarter plate design equipped with a fusee and chain, a compensated balance, and a duplex escapement. Additional features include a diamond balance end-stone and a screwed back plate. The watch is completed by a flat enamel dial, which includes a flush seconds dial and a signature location situated under the 12 o'clock position. The exterior is fitted with a winding key attached to the bow, and a spade hour hand is present. This item is held in the Applied Arts and Design collection of the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, having been donated to the institution in 1940 by Mrs. D. A. Gray. The watch is assigned museum accession number 1940.25 and identifier H102, with the number 25256 also associated with the record.

Movement view of an 18ct gold open-face pocket watch showing the three-quarter plate, fusee, and duplex escapement.
Movement view of an 18ct gold open-face pocket watch showing the three-quarter plate, fusee, and duplex escapement. — Auckland Museum Collections. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
commons.wikimedia.org
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
M. Tobias
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1940.25
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
25256

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 Dial Construction

The watch features an open-face configuration with an 18ct gold case. The surface of the case displays a machine-engraved pattern. The dial is made of flat enamel and incorporates a flush-mounted subsidiary seconds dial.

The watch is equipped with a spade-style hour hand. A winding key is attached to the bow, allowing for manual operation of the movement.

The signature of the maker is positioned on the dial immediately beneath the 12 o'clock marker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open-face 18ct gold pocket watch”
  • “machine engraved case and winding key attached to bow”
  • “flat enamel dial with flush seconds dial and maker under 12”
  • “spade hour hand”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch utilizes a three-quarter plate movement architecture powered by a fusee and chain mechanism. The escapement is of the duplex type.

The balance assembly features a compensated balance wheel. A diamond is used as a balance end-stone. The back plate is secured via screws.

Evidence for this section
  • “¾ plate fusee and chain”
  • “compensated balance”
  • “duplex escapement”
  • “diamond balance end-stone”
  • “screwed back plate”

Provenance and Identification

This watch is part of the Applied Arts and Design collection at the Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira. It was a gift from Mrs. D. A. Gray in 1940.

The museum records designate the object with the number 1940.25, alongside identifiers H102 and 25256. These marks identify the watch within the museum's human history archives.

Evidence for this section
  • “Part of the Applied Arts and Design collection.”
  • “Gift of Mrs D A Gray, 1940, Collection of Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, 1940.25, H102, 25256”

Open research questions

  • Who is the maker referenced on the dial?
  • What is the approximate date of manufacture for this specific movement configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Open-face 18ct gold pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18ct gold“18ct gold”
EscapementDuplex“duplex escapement”
MovementThree-quarter plate fusee and chain“¾ plate fusee and chain”
DialFlat enamel with flush seconds“flat enamel dial with flush seconds dial”
Accession number1940.25“1940.25”
DonorMrs D A Gray“Gift of Mrs D A Gray, 1940”

Visible details

  • Machine-engraved case exterior
  • Winding key attached to the pendant bow
  • Duplex escapement visible on movement
  • Three-quarter plate movement construction

Research qualifications

  • Maker name not explicitly transcribed from source
  • Precise date of manufacture not provided

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

Consulted source

Open-face 18ct gold pocket watch with duplex escapement

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 61d98c4c9b

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records