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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Pocket watch in silver case, by J. S. Magnin

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch in a silver case is held by the Science Museum Group under object number 1916-202. The source documents the case as hallmarked 1795 and attributes the piece to maker J. S. Magnin. The museum record describes the movement as featuring a Debaufre type escapement, a curb compensator, and maintaining power, while also noting verge escapement classification elsewhere. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer minute marks, slender hands, and a reeded case band. A red cord with an attached brass winding key is affixed to the pendant bow.

Oblique view of the silver-cased pocket watch showing white enamel dial, reeded case band, and attached winding key on red cord
Oblique view of the silver-cased pocket watch showing white enamel dial, reeded case band, and attached winding key on red cord — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. S. Magnin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
hallmarked 1795
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Object Identity and Attribution

This silver pocket watch is held in the Science Museum Group collection under object number 1916-202, acquired via credit from Mr. Evan Roberts. The museum attributes the piece to maker J. S. Magnin, recording it with a hallmark date of 1795.

The overall item measures 19 mm in thickness by 46 mm in width and 53 mm in length, with a recorded weight of 0.085 kg. The documented materials across the assembly include silver, glass, brass (a copper-zinc alloy), and enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Object Number: 1916-202”
  • “credit: Mr. Evan Roberts”
  • “Watch in silver case, Debaufre type escapement, curb compensator, maintaining power, by J. S. Magnin, hall marked 1795.”
  • “Measurements: overall: 19 mm x 46 mm x 53 mm, 0.085kg”
  • “Materials: silver (metal) , glass , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and enamel”

External Case and Dial Presentation

Direct visual inspection shows an open-face silver case featuring a fluted or reeded band running along the case side. At the top, a ball pendant carries stamps or hallmark impressions and supports a swivel bow.

The dial is executed in white enamel, detailed with black Roman numeral hour markers and fine peripheral minute calibrations. Accompanying the watch is a separate brass pocket watch key with a circular ring handle, secured to the bow by a tied red cord.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fluted or reeded band encircling the silver case”
  • “Ball pendant with hallmarks or stamps visible, fitted with a swivel bow”
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and peripheral minute markings”
  • “Attached red cord tied to a brass circular-ring pocket watch key”

Internal Mechanism and Source Contradictions

The internal movement is not displayed in the catalogued imagery, leaving its mechanical layout unconfirmed by visual review. The museum documentation outlines several technical features for the movement, describing it as possessing a Debaufre type escapement, a curb compensator, and maintaining power.

However, the source record contains an unresolved contradiction regarding the escapement system. While the primary narrative explicitly cites a Debaufre type escapement, the structured classification metadata designates the piece as having a verge escapement under its mechanical typology.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch in silver case, Debaufre type escapement, curb compensator, maintaining power”
  • “type: spring-driven watch and verge escapement”

Open research questions

  • Does direct physical examination of the movement confirm a Debaufre escapement or standard verge escapement components?
  • What specific assay office and maker's marks are struck on the case and pendant alongside the recorded 1795 date hallmark?
  • Does movement engraving or archival documentation further identify the J. S. Magnin workshop or location of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch in silver case, by J. S. Magnin
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1916-202“Object Number: 1916-202”
Maker AttributionJ. S. Magnin“by J. S. Magnin”
Hallmark Datehallmarked 1795“hall marked 1795”
Escapement and FeaturesDebaufre type escapement, curb compensator, maintaining power“Watch in silver case, Debaufre type escapement, curb compensator, maintaining power”
Materialssilver (metal), glass, brass (copper, zinc alloy) and enamel“Materials: silver (metal) , glass , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and enamel”
Measurements and Weight19 mm x 46 mm x 53 mm, 0.085kg“Measurements: overall: 19 mm x 46 mm x 53 mm, 0.085kg”
Collection CreditMr. Evan Roberts“credit: Mr. Evan Roberts”
Museum Type ClassificationSpring-driven watch and verge escapement“type: spring-driven watch and verge escapement”
CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and peripheral minute markings
  • Fluted or reeded band encircling the silver case
  • Ball pendant with hallmarks or stamps visible, fitted with a swivel bow
  • Attached red cord tied to a brass circular-ring pocket watch key

Research qualifications

  • The movement interior is not depicted, precluding visual verification of the Debaufre escapement, curb compensator, or maintaining power
  • The source contains conflicting escapement descriptions, noting 'Debaufre type escapement' in narrative fields and 'verge escapement' under type classification

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch in silver case | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4430a7203f

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records