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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Doctor's pocket watch

Peter Desmarais 18K Rose Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This English pocket watch, dating to 1803, is signed by Peter Desmarais, a watchmaker active from 1794 into the early 19th century at St. Martins Court, London. The timepiece features an 18K rose gold pair case with polished surfaces, stamped with the case maker's mark 'IW' and hallmarked for London, 1803. The white enamel dial displays offset Roman numeral hour markers, a black outer minute track with 1/5 second divisions, and gold hands including a central seconds hand. The movement is a gilt full-plate cylinder escapement, incorporating a pierced and engraved balance cock and a silver regulation dial. It is protected by an original dust cover. The watch includes an early stop mechanism, a configuration described by the source as a doctor's watch. The watch has a diameter of 56 mm and is currently reported to be in excellent condition.

Front view of the 18K rose gold Peter Desmarais pocket watch showing the offset Roman numeral dial and central seconds hand.
Front view of the 18K rose gold Peter Desmarais pocket watch showing the offset Roman numeral dial and central seconds hand. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Doctor's pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Peter Desmarais
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1803
Source-reported place
England

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 watch features an 18K rose gold pair case with polished inner and outer surfaces. The case carries a maker's stamp 'IW' and was hallmarked in London in 1803. The watch measures 56 mm in diameter.

The original white enamel dial is designed with an offset section for the Roman numeral hour markers. It features a black outer minute track partitioned into 1/5 second intervals. Original gold hands are present, including a central hand intended for seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “18ct rose gold pair case with polished inner and outer cases, hallmarked for London in 1803”
  • “The case maker is stamped IW”

Movement and Mechanism

The internal movement is a gilt full-plate cylinder escapement. It includes a silver regulation dial and a balance cock that is described as being both pierced and engraved.

The mechanism is protected by an original dust cover and features a stop mechanism. This specific configuration is referred to in the source as a doctor's watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “includes an early stop mechanism, often referred to as a doctor's watch”

Provenance and Documentation

The movement and dial are fully signed and numbered by Peter Desmarais. The maker operated out of a workshop at St. Martins Court, London, a location the source notes is known today as Leicester Square.

Desmarais was active between 1794 and the early 19th century. The watch is currently reported to be in excellent condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Peter Desmarais, who operated from St Martins Court, now known as Leicester Square”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number currently obscured in the source image?
  • Does the 'IW' case maker mark correspond to a recorded London silversmith active in 1803?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Peter Desmarais 18K Rose Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPeter Desmarais“Creator: Peter Desmarais”
Date1803“Date of Manufacture: 1803”
Case Material18k Rose Gold“Case Material: 18k Gold,Rose Gold”
Case MakerIW“The case maker is stamped IW.”
EscapementCylinder“gilt full plate cylinder escapement”
Diameter56 mm“Case Dimensions: Diameter: 56 mm (2.21 in)”
CountryEngland“Place of Origin: England”

Visible details

  • Offset dial with Roman numerals
  • Central seconds hand
  • Outer track marked for 1/5 second divisions
  • Signature 'Peter Desmarais St Martins Court Leister Square' on dial

Research qualifications

  • Specific serial number obscured in source media
  • Terminology 'doctor's watch' is a retrospective descriptor

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

Consulted source

Peter Desmarais St. Martins Court Leister Square Rose Gold Pocket Watch - 1803

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 20f50530e5

Terms in this record

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