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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Robert Molyneux Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This silver pocket watch is attributed to the maker Robert Molyneux of London, dating to circa 1800. It is identified by the serial number 556. The watch features a white enamel dial marked with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds register, accompanied by gold "Poire" style hands. The case is constructed of solid silver and incorporates a guilloché pattern with a central reserve on the case back. Internally, the watch utilizes a gilt-brass cage movement equipped with cylindrical pillars, a chain and fusee drive, and a duplex escapement. A three-armed balance with a flat balance spring is employed, featuring a diamond counter-pivot. The quarter-repeating function is operated via the pendant, striking on two hammers and two gongs. A gilt-metal dust cover protects the movement, which is documented as marked. The watch has a diameter of 56 millimeters.

Front view of the silver pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, and Poire hands.
Front view of the silver pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, and Poire hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Robert Molyneux
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
179
Source-reported date
circa 1800
Source-reported place
London
Source-reported serial
556

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

The pocket watch is housed in a solid silver case described as featuring a guilloché finish. A central reserve is present on the case back, providing a decorative focal point. The watch utilizes a white enamel dial, which displays time via black Roman numerals.

Additionally, the dial incorporates a subsidiary dial positioned for the tracking of seconds. The watch is fitted with gold hands in the Poire style, which contrast against the white enamel surface. The overall diameter of the object is 56 millimeters.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. massiccia, "guillochè", riserva centrale sul fondello.”
  • “Q. in smalto bianco con cifre romane + quadrantino per i secondi. Lancette "Poire" in oro.”

Movement and Mechanics

The movement is constructed as a gilt-brass cage, held together by cylindrical pillars. It utilizes a chain and fusee mechanism for power transmission. The timekeeping regulation is managed by a duplex escapement, paired with a three-armed balance wheel featuring a flat balance spring and a diamond counter-pivot.

A repeating function capable of sounding the hours and quarters is integrated into the watch. This mechanism is operated via the pendant, which activates two hammers striking against two individual gongs. The entire movement is shielded by a gilt-metal dust cover, and the auction description reports that the movement is marked.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. a gabbia, in ottone dorato, pilastrini cilindrici, conoide con catena, scappamento duplex, bilanciere a 3 bracci con spirale piana, diamante per controperno”
  • “suoneria su 2 martelli e 2 gong azionata dal pendente, salvapolvere in metallo dorato. Movimento marcato.”

Attribution and Condition

The watch is attributed to Robert Molyneux, working in London, with a suggested date of circa 1800. The item is identified by the serial number 556. The auction description reports the condition of the watch as good.

The piece is classified as a pocket watch and noted for its use of a special escapement, which the technical details identify as a duplex arrangement. All details regarding construction, from the gilt-brass cage to the striking train, are based on the accompanying documentation provided for this specific lot.

Evidence for this section
  • “Robert Molyneux, No. 556, London, circa 1800.”
  • “In buone condizioni.”

Open research questions

  • What specific inscriptions appear on the movement to confirm the attribution beyond the serial number?
  • Does the "special escapement" refer exclusively to the duplex or are there additional variations present in this specific caliber?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Robert Molyneux Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRobert Molyneux“Robert Molyneux”
Serial Number556“No. 556”
Case MaterialSilver“orologio da tasca, in argento”
Movement TypeGilt-brass cage movement“M. a gabbia, in ottone dorato”
EscapementDuplex“scappamento duplex”
Diameter56 mm“Diam.: 56 nnn.”
Repeating complicationQuarter-repeater“ripetizione ore e quarti”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Gold Poire style hands
  • Guilloché silver case back
  • Subsidiary seconds dial

Research qualifications

  • Movement markings not specified beyond being "marked"
  • Specific composition of "special escapement" referenced only as duplex

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

Consulted source

Robert Molyneux, No. 556, London, circa 1800. Interessante orologio da tasca, in argento, ripetizione ore e quarti, con scappamento speciale.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ba298116c6

Terms in this record

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

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