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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Subsidiary Seconds

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by Rolex is dated by the auction house to circa the 1960s. The 18k yellow gold case measures 45 mm in diameter with case number 3407YP. It features a manual-winding movement powering central timekeeping with a subsidiary seconds display at 6 o'clock. The white dial displays applied yellow-gold-toned arrow and double-baton hour markers, dauphine hands, and an applied Rolex coronet beneath 12 o'clock. The caseback reportedly bears an engraving reading 'Lloyd Robert Frech, 1968'.

Oblique view of the Rolex 18k yellow gold pocket watch showing the white dial and bow
Oblique view of the Rolex 18k yellow gold pocket watch showing the white dial and bow — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
135
Source-reported date
circa 1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3407YP

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 Case Construction

This open-face pocket watch is catalogued by the auction house under case number 3407YP and assigned an approximate date of the 1960s. The circular case is listed in 18k yellow gold with a diameter of 45 mm, fitted with an arched bow and a fluted winding crown situated at the 12 o'clock position.

According to the specialist report, the exterior caseback carries a personalized engraving reading 'Lloyd Robert Frech, 1968', which is noted as legible but slightly rubbed. Neither the reverse of the case nor any interior assay marks are depicted in the single front photograph provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: 18k Yellow Gold”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 45mm”
  • “CASE NO’: 3407YP”
  • “The caseback is engraved “ Lloyd Robert Frech, 1968”.”
  • “Open-face circular case in yellow gold with an arched bow and fluted crown at 12 o'clock”

Dial Design and Display

The watch presents a white dial fitted with applied yellow-gold-toned furniture. Faceted dagger or arrow markers designate the hours, paired with double batons at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, while time is displayed via central dauphine hour and minute hands. Beneath the 12 o'clock marker sits an applied gold-toned Rolex coronet above the printed Rolex signature.

A sunken subsidiary seconds register is positioned at 6 o'clock, printed with black markings and traversed by a gold-toned seconds hand. The origin marking 'SWISS' is printed at the bottom rim below the subsidiary dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: White”
  • “White dial with applied yellow-gold-toned multifaceted dagger or arrow hour markers and double batons at 3 and 9 o'clock”
  • “Applied gold-toned Rolex coronet positioned above the printed 'ROLEX' signature below 12 o'clock”
  • “Dauphine hour and minute hands in yellow-gold tone”
  • “Sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock with black printed markers and a gold-toned seconds hand”
  • “'SWISS' printed at the bottom rim below 6 o'clock”

Movement and Documentation Limits

The catalog records the mechanism simply as a manual-winding movement with subsidiary seconds. The specialist report states the movement was in working order at the time of cataloging, though it was not tested for accuracy. No caliber designation, jewel count, or movement serial is documented in the source text.

Accompanying items listed in the sale details include an original Rolex guarantee, with box and standard papers noted as absent. Internal movement bridge signatures and inner case stamps are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Subsidiary Seconds”
  • “The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch.”
  • “The movement has not been tested for accuracy.”
  • “ACCESSORIES: Original Rolex Guarantee”
  • “BOX: No”
  • “PAPERS: No”

Open research questions

  • What specific base caliber or Rolex movement designation is fitted inside case 3407YP?
  • What hallmarks and reference markings are stamped on the interior of the caseback?
  • What date and retailer details are written on the included original Rolex guarantee?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex 18k Yellow Gold Pocket Watch with Subsidiary Seconds
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Circa1960s“CIRCA: 1960s”
Case Material18k Yellow Gold“CASE MATERIAL: 18k Yellow Gold”
Case Diameter45mm“CASE DIAMETER: 45mm”
Case Number3407YP“CASE NO’: 3407YP”
DialWhite“DIAL: White”
MovementManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
EngravingLloyd Robert Frech, 1968“The caseback is engraved “ Lloyd Robert Frech, 1968”.”
FunctionsSubsidiary Seconds“FUNCTIONS: Subsidiary Seconds”
Included AccessoriesOriginal Rolex Guarantee“ACCESSORIES: Original Rolex Guarantee”
BoxNo“BOX: No”
PapersNo“PAPERS: No”

Visible details

  • Open-face circular case in yellow gold with an arched bow and fluted crown at 12 o'clock
  • White dial with applied yellow-gold-toned multifaceted dagger or arrow hour markers and double batons at 3 and 9 o'clock
  • Applied gold-toned Rolex coronet positioned above the printed 'ROLEX' signature below 12 o'clock
  • Dauphine hour and minute hands in yellow-gold tone
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock with black printed markers and a gold-toned seconds hand
  • 'SWISS' printed at the bottom rim below 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement caliber, hallmarks, and caseback engraving are described in the source report but not visible in the front photograph
  • Mechanical functioning was reported in period condition but untested for precision

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

Consulted source

ROLEX, POCKET WATCH, 18K YELLOW GOLD, SUBSIDIARY SECONDS, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ffc6f414e0

Terms in this record

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

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