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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-faced pocket watch features an approximate 25 mm 14K yellow gold case with a Swiss hallmark and case number 30137. The source reports that the reverse bezel is set with a round diamond and that the inner case cover bears a partially obscured maker's mark. The white dial displays Arabic numerals, an outer track, and decorative hands. A manual-winding movement is housed beneath a metal cuvette stamped with number 30137. The auction house reports a total gross weight of 9.25 pennyweights.

Front view of the 14K yellow gold open-faced pocket watch
Front view of the 14K yellow gold open-faced pocket watch — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
43
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
30137

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 Construction

This open-faced pocket watch features an approximate 25 mm 14K yellow gold case. The piece includes a pendant and oval bow at the 12 o'clock position, with a visible hinge along the bottom edge.

The inner case cover is stamped with the serial number 30137, a Swiss hallmark, a 0.585 purity mark, and a partially obscured maker's mark. A metal cuvette covering the manual-winding movement is also stamped with '30137 METAL'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case size: Approx. 25 mm”
  • “Case material: 14K yellow gold”
  • “Case cover stamps: 30137 0.585 (Swiss hallmark) (partially obscured maker's mark)”
  • “Movement cover stamps: 30137 METAL”

Dial and Aesthetic Features

The watch is fitted with a white dial featuring black Arabic numerals and an outer track, paired with pierced decorative hour and minute hands. The bezel is reverse set with a round diamond, reported as H-I color and SI clarity.

General condition observations include moderate scratching consistent with age and use, as well as significant metal discoloration. The crystal is noted to be loose and can fall out.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White”
  • “Bezel: Reverse set with round diamond”
  • “Diamond Characteristics (graded insofar as mounting permits) Color: H-I. Clarity: SI.”
  • “Overall Condition: Moderate scratching throughout consistent with age and use. Significant metal discoloration in several areas. Crystal is loose and can fall out.”

Operational Status

The watch features a manual-winding movement. At the time of cataloging, the watch was not running and the crown appeared to be stuck.

The auction house notes that the authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed due to the possibility of past repairs or restorations, and the lot is sold 'as is'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual”
  • “Watch is not running at time of cataloging and crown appears to be stuck”
  • “The authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed since repairs and restoration may have occurred”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the partially obscured maker's mark associated with Swiss hallmark 0.585?
  • Does the 'reverse' set diamond placement indicate a specific period or regional design style?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case number30137“Case number: 30137”
Case sizeApprox. 25 mm“Case size: Approx. 25 mm”
Case material14K yellow gold“Case material: 14K yellow gold”
MovementManual“Movement: Manual”
Gross weight9.25 dwt.“Gross weight: 9.25 dwt.”
Case cover stamps30137 0.585 (Swiss hallmark) (partially obscured maker's mark)“Case cover stamps: 30137 0.585 (Swiss hallmark) (partially obscured maker's mark)”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Arabic numerals and an outer track
  • Pierced decorative hour and minute hands
  • Pendant and oval bow positioned at the 12 o'clock location
  • Visible case hinge along the bottom edge

Research qualifications

  • The diamond-set reverse bezel and internal movement are not visible in the provided primary photograph
  • The source notes the watch was not running at cataloging and the crystal is loose

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

Consulted source

OPEN-FACED POCKET WATCH | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 1459178878

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records