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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Gents open-face pocket watch

Pocket Watch - Switzerland, 19th Century

Partially verified

This gents pocket watch is an open-faced piece attributed to Swiss manufacture during the second half of the 19th century. The watch was retailed by the Liverpool-based firm Thomas Russell & Son, who were active between 1848 and 1902. It features an enamel dial with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The watch utilizes a stem and button winding mechanism coupled with a lever escapement. The movement is engraved with the serial number 49851, the count of 10 jewels, and the designation 'Swiss Made'. The back case contains the internal engraving 'Electro Gilt Case' along with the number 0619170. Acquired by the museum in 1982, The watch retains its original physical dimensions, measuring approximately 5 cm in diameter.

Front view of the pocket watch showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals and the 'Tempus Fugit' inscription.
Front view of the pocket watch showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals and the 'Tempus Fugit' inscription. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Pocket watch · Gents open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Russell & Son (Retailer)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 24523
Source-reported date
19th Century
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
49851

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 Design

The watch features an open-face configuration with a diameter of 5 cm and a width of 1.7 cm. The exterior case interior is inscribed with the marking 'Electro Gilt Case', which indicates the plating process applied to the base material. The back case interior also bears the numerical identifier '0619170'.

The dial is rendered in white enamel and features black Roman numerals for the hours. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position. The dial surface includes the retailer name 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool', the phrase 'Tempus Fugit', and the origin mark 'Swiss Made'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold case, open face.”
  • “Inside of back case is marked 'Electro Gilt Case' and '0619170'.”
  • “White enamel dial has roman numerals and seconds dial at 6.”
  • “Dial is marked 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool', 'Tempus Fugit' and 'Swiss Made'.”

Movement and Functionality

The timekeeping mechanism is driven by a lever escapement, which was a standard arrangement for watches of this type in the 19th century. Winding and setting are managed via a stem and button configuration located at the top of the case.

The movement is marked with the serial number '49851' and a jewel count of '10 jewels'. One of the wheels within the assembly displays the branding for the retailer, 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool', alongside the standard origin mark indicating Swiss manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stem and button wound; lever escapement.”
  • “Movement is marked '49851', '10 jewels' and 'Swiss Made'.”
  • “One wheel is marked 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool'.”

Provenance and Retail

The object was sourced from Switzerland and subsequently retailed by the Liverpool-based company Thomas Russell & Son. Museum records specify that this firm operated during the period between 1848 and 1902.

The watch entered the collection as a donation from R. C. Rennie on February 24, 1982.

Evidence for this section
  • “Retailed by Thomas Russell & Son, Liverpool, second half of 19th century.”
  • “B. Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, p.204 gives dates of 1848-1902.”
  • “Acquisition: Donation from R. C. Rennie, 24 Feb 1982”

Open research questions

  • Does the discrepancy between the description 'gold' and the case marking 'Electro Gilt' indicate a misidentification of the metal type in the provenance records?
  • To what extent did Thomas Russell & Son modify or finish the Swiss-made movements before retail in Liverpool?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket Watch - Switzerland, 19th Century
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Registration numberST 24523“ST 24523”
Maker/RetailerThomas Russell & Son“Retailed by Thomas Russell & Son, Liverpool”
Country of originSwitzerland“Association: type: Place Made, country: Switzerland”
Movement markings49851, 10 jewels, Swiss Made“Movement is marked '49851', '10 jewels' and 'Swiss Made'”
Case compositionElectro Gilt“Inside of back case is marked 'Electro Gilt Case'”
Dial inscriptionThos Russell & Son, Liverpool, Tempus Fugit, Swiss Made“Dial is marked 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool', 'Tempus Fugit' and 'Swiss Made'”

Visible details

  • Roman numeral hour markers
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Bow and crown winding stem
  • 'Tempus Fugit' inscription on the dial

Research qualifications

  • The term 'Electro Gilt Case' suggests a base metal construction rather than solid gold, contrary to the summary field description.
  • The '0619170' number is located inside the back case, while '49851' is identified as the movement number.

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch - Switzerland, 19th Century

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a72c4c55cf

Terms in this record

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