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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch

Scottish silver pair cased pocket watch by Wm Watts, Montrose

Partially verified

This Scottish pair-cased pocket watch features a silver case reported by the source to bear Chester hallmarks dating to 1901. Its white enamel dial displays black Roman numeral hour indices, gilt hands, and an inset subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The source states the timepiece contains a key-wind fusee movement with engraved decorations signed by Wm Watts of Montrose, as well as a case paper for John McPherson of Dundee inside the back cover. The watch measures 50 mm in case width and is pictured with an accompanying winding key.

Scottish silver pair cased pocket watch dial and case alongside an accompanying winding key
Scottish silver pair cased pocket watch dial and case alongside an accompanying winding key — Kembery Antique Clocks And Watches Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Wm Watts, Montrose
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as579a3548
Source-reported date
1901
Country
Scotland

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

Dial and Visual Presentation

The pocket watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals.

The central hands are gilt, while the subsidiary seconds hand appears blued or darkened. Visible casing details include a rounded silver pendant and bow at the 12 o'clock position, along with visible outer hinge structures characteristic of pair-cased construction. A separate metal winding key is shown placed alongside the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “An enamel dial with gilt hands and subsidiary seconds dial.”
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals.”
  • “Gilt central hands and a blued or darkened sub-seconds hand.”
  • “Rounded silver pendant and bow at the 12 o'clock position.”
  • “Pair case construction with visible hinge and outer bezel rims.”
  • “Separate metal winding key positioned below the watch.”

Movement and Inscriptions

The seller describes the timepiece as containing a key-wind fusee mechanism finished with engraved decorations. This movement is reported to be signed 'Wm Watts, Montrose'.

The internal mechanism and maker signature are concealed in the available photograph, meaning the movement configuration and decorative engraving are unverified and documented solely from dealer descriptions.

Evidence for this section
  • “A fusee mechanism with engraved decorations signed 'Wm Watts, Montrose'.”
  • “A key wind mechanism.”

Casing, Hallmarks, and Ephemera

The watch case measures 50 mm in width and is identified by the dealer as a Scottish pair-cased silver pocket watch. The source notes Chester assay hallmarks for the year 1901.

A case back paper inscribed 'John McPherson Dundee' is also recorded by the source inside the watch. These internal markings, hallmarks, and paper inserts are not visible in the supplied visual record.

Evidence for this section
  • “A good quality Scottish pair cased silver pocket watch .”
  • “Case width 50mm”
  • “Chester hallmarks for 1901.”
  • “A case back paper 'John McPherson Dundee'.”

Open research questions

  • What maker's mark or sponsor's mark is stamped alongside the 1901 Chester hallmarks inside the silver cases?
  • What escapement type is utilized within the Wm Watts fusee movement?
  • What full text, trade details, or street address appear on the John McPherson Dundee case back paper?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Scottish silver pair cased pocket watch by Wm Watts, Montrose
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureWm Watts, Montrose“signed 'Wm Watts, Montrose'”
Movement MechanismFusee, key wind“A fusee mechanism with engraved decorations”
Hallmarks and DateChester, 1901“Chester hallmarks for 1901.”
Case Width50mm“Case width 50mm”
Case PaperJohn McPherson Dundee“A case back paper 'John McPherson Dundee'.”
Dial FeaturesEnamel dial with gilt hands and subsidiary seconds“An enamel dial with gilt hands and subsidiary seconds dial.”
Assay HallmarksChester, 1901“Chester hallmarks for 1901.”
Case Paper InscriptionJohn McPherson Dundee“A case back paper 'John McPherson Dundee'.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals.
  • Gilt central hands and a blued or darkened sub-seconds hand.
  • Rounded silver pendant and bow at the 12 o'clock position.
  • Pair case construction with visible hinge and outer bezel rims.
  • Separate metal winding key positioned below the watch.

Research qualifications

  • The internal fusee movement, signature, and decorative engraving are concealed and not verified in the photograph.
  • The Chester hallmarks and Dundee case paper mentioned by the seller are not visible.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - A Scottish Pair Case Pocket Watch as579a3548

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 20c60b2d5f

Terms in this record

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