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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face medallion pocket watch

Sarcar yellow gold openface pocket watch medallion 'Shah of Iran'

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch medallion by Sarcar dates to circa 1967 and features a 31 mm yellow gold case. The front displays a champagne dial bearing the Shah of Iran's emblem along with baton hands. A textured outer bezel is accented with star motifs. Sourced remarks state the watch was made for the Royal Court of Iran, and the case back depicts conjoined profiles of the Shah and Empress Farah Diba. Driven by a manual-winding time-only movement, the piece is suspended from a dark cord with an attached tassel.

Front view of the Sarcar openface medallion pocket watch showing the champagne dial and tassel suspension cord
Front view of the Sarcar openface medallion pocket watch showing the champagne dial and tassel suspension cord — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face medallion pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Sarcar
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
351
Source-reported date
circa 1967
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
164'941

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 Provenance

This Sarcar open-face pocket watch medallion is dated circa 1967 and features a 31 mm yellow gold case.

Sourced remarks from the sale documentation state that this item was made for the Royal Court of Iran.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1967”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 31 mm.”
  • “REMARK: Made from the Royal Court of Iran”

Dial and Exterior Features

The timepiece features a champagne-colored dial incorporating the Shah of Iran's emblem. The watch is suspended by a winding crown and loop.

The case back is described in the source as depicting the conjoined profiles of the Shah and Empress Farah Diba.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Champagne dial with the Shah's emblem”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold, case back with conjoined profiles of the Shah and the Empress Farah Diba”

Technical and Condition Notes

The watch utilizes a manual-winding, time-only movement identified by serial number 164'941. The movement was reported as ticking during the cataloguing process, though a service is recommended.

The case is reported to show signs of wear, including light wear around the case back, scuffs along the sides, and oxidation.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT NO: 164'941”
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working; however, a service is recommended.”
  • “There are light signs of wear around the case back as well as, visible scuffs along the sides of the case. Some signs due to oxidation.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer's caliber designation for the manual-winding movement?
  • Is there archival evidence to confirm the specific event or year of production for the Royal Court commission?
  • Does the 'SWISS MADE' mark appear on the physical dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sarcar yellow gold openface pocket watch medallion 'Shah of Iran'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number164'941“MOVEMENT NO: 164'941”
Case MaterialYellow gold, case back with conjoined profiles of the Shah and the Empress Farah Diba“CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold, case back with conjoined profiles of the Shah and the Empress Farah Diba”
Case Diameter31 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 31 mm.”
DialChampagne dial with the Shah's emblem“DIAL: Champagne dial with the Shah's emblem”
Movement TypeManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
Historical Context NoteMade from the Royal Court of Iran“REMARK: Made from the Royal Court of Iran”
FunctionsTime-only“FUNCTIONS: Time only”
AccompanimentsPresentation box“WITH: Presentation box”

Visible details

  • Champagne sunburst dial featuring an Iranian imperial lion emblem below the 12 position.
  • Textured gold bezel embossed with decorative star configurations around the perimeter.
  • Winding crown and suspension loop at the 12 o'clock position attached to a black cord with tassel.

Research qualifications

  • Case back depicting conjoined profiles of the Shah and Empress Farah Diba is not visible in the provided image.
  • Internal movement is not shown.
  • Country of manufacture is not explicitly specified in the text, though 'SWISS MADE' appears at the bottom edge of the dial.

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

Consulted source

SARCAR, YELLOW GOLD OPENFACE POCKET WATCH MEDALLION 'SHAH OF IRAN', | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record e8f500d48f

Terms in this record

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

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