Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face watch

Peter Dunne 18 Carat Gold Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an 18 carat gold open face pocket watch catalogued under Lot 511 as by Peter Dunne, numbered 6358 and dated to circa 1829. The auctioneer notes London hallmarks for 1829 on the three-piece gold case, which includes a dust cover, measures 53mm across, and has a gross weight of 130g. The champagne dial features Roman numeral hour markings, decorative engine-turned patterning, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Inside, the movement is reported as a lever fusee mechanism with a three-armed domed balance and flat balance spring.

Dial and bezel view of the Peter Dunne 18 carat gold open face pocket watch
Dial and bezel view of the Peter Dunne 18 carat gold open face pocket watch — Dreweatts 1759. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctions.dreweatts.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face watch
Form
Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Peter Dunne
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
511
Source-reported date
circa 1829
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
6358

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

Identity and Provenance

This pocket watch is identified by the auctioneer as the work of Peter Dunne, marked with serial number 6358 and attributed to circa 1829. The piece is catalogued as Lot 511.

The watch is sold without accompanying box or documentation. The auctioneer states they do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of the lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “PETER DUNNE AN 18 CARAT GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, NO. 6358, CIRCA 1829”
  • “LOT 511”
  • “Accessories: None”
  • “This lot does not come with box or papers.”
  • “Dreweatts 1759 do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold.”

Construction and Exterior

The watch is housed in a three-piece 18 carat gold case, which includes a dust cover and is hallmarked London 1829. The case measures 53mm. Decorative features include an engraved foliate scroll pattern around the bezel and pendant ball, with a hinged gold bow.

The champagne dial features a subsidiary seconds dial and engine-turned patterning. It is marked with applied Roman numerals. The hands are described as showing marks and tarnishing under magnification.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18 carat gold three piece case, dust cover, hallmarked London 1829”
  • “Size: 53mm”
  • “Engraved foliate scroll pattern around the case bezel and pendant ball”
  • “Dial: Champagne”
  • “Champagne engine-turned dial center and subsidiary dial surrounded by applied Roman numerals”

Mechanical Specifications

The movement is identified as a lever fusee mechanism, featuring a three-armed domed balance and a flat balance spring. The movement is signed.

Condition reports note that the movement is currently functioning, though it exhibits scratches, marks, and tarnishing when viewed under a 4x loupe.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Lever fusee, three armed domed balance, flat balance spring”
  • “Signed: Movement”
  • “Movement is currently functioning.”
  • “Movement has scratches, marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear visible when viewed under a 4x loupe.”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific hallmarks beyond the London 1829 assay mark that provide further details on the gold quality or origin?
  • What is the significance of the Peter Dunne signature in the context of London horology during the 1820s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Peter Dunne 18 Carat Gold Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementLever fusee, three armed domed balance, flat balance spring“Movement: Lever fusee, three armed domed balance, flat balance spring”
Case18 carat gold three piece case, dust cover, hallmarked London 1829“Case: 18 carat gold three piece case, dust cover, hallmarked London 1829”
DialChampagne“Dial: Champagne”
Size53mm“Size: 53mm”
Gross Weight130g gross“130g gross”
Gross Weight130g“130g gross”

Visible details

  • Champagne engine-turned dial center and subsidiary dial surrounded by applied Roman numerals
  • Engraved foliate scroll pattern around the case bezel and pendant ball
  • Blued steel or dark hands including an arrow/pear-tipped hour hand
  • Hinged gold bow attached to the top pendant

Research qualifications

  • No box or papers accompany the lot
  • Case back and internal movement are not visible in the primary auction photograph

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

Consulted source

PETER DUNNE, AN 18 CARAT GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7820d3f6e1

Terms in this record

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

More in pocket watch · open-face watch