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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Thomas Armstrong & Brother open faced pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-faced pocket watch is attributed by the auction house to Thomas Armstrong & Brother. According to the auction description, it houses a keyless-wind mechanical movement within a 9 ct yellow gold case with a gross weight of 78.7 grams. The catalogue also records an enamel dial with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial. In the provided photograph, only the smooth, polished reverse of the yellow gold case is shown, displaying surface scratching along with the crown and pendant.

Reverse view of the 9 ct yellow gold open-faced pocket watch case showing the winding crown and bow
Reverse view of the 9 ct yellow gold open-faced pocket watch case showing the winding crown and bow — Ewbank's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Armstrong & Brother
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
452
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

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 Attribution

The auction catalogue lists the open-faced pocket watch under the title "Thomas Armstrong & Brother open faced pocket watch" and designates the maker as "Thomas Armstrong". The catalogue entry does not record a serial number, reference number, or date of manufacture.

Because the provided photograph depicts only the reverse of the case, any signature, retailer stamp, or marking on the dial or movement is not visible or confirmed beyond the auction title and maker field.

Evidence for this section
  • “Thomas Armstrong & Brother open faced pocket watch”
  • “Artist or Maker Thomas Armstrong”

Case Form and Visible Exterior

The watch is described as being housed in a "9 ct yellow gold case" with a reported "9ct gross weight 78.7 grams". Visible in the provided image is a plain yellow-gold case back showing light surface scratching and wear.

The case is fitted with a ribbed cylindrical winding crown and a circular suspension bow. Directly adjacent to the pendant on the right edge of the case, a small pin or push-piece protrusion is visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “in 9 ct yellow gold case”
  • “9ct gross weight 78.7 grams”
  • “Polished plain yellow-gold case back showing moderate light surface scratches and wear.”
  • “Ribbed cylindrical winding crown topped by a circular suspension bow.”
  • “Small pin or push-piece protrusion visible at the case edge to the right of the pendant.”

Reported Movement and Dial Details

According to the auctioneer's overview, the pocket watch features an "enamel dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and minute track". The movement is described as a "keyless wind, mechanical movement".

The catalogue notes under condition that the watch was "currently working but has not been tested for time keeping", adding that the auctioneers "do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold." As no interior movement images or dial photographs are provided, these details remain unverified by direct visual observation.

Evidence for this section
  • “enamel dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and minute track”
  • “keyless wind, mechanical movement”
  • “pocket watch currently working but has not been tested for time keeping”
  • “Ewbank's do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold.”

Open research questions

  • What hallmarks, sponsor marks, or case serial numbers are struck inside the 9 ct gold case and dust cover?
  • What signatures or markings appear on the enamel dial and mechanical movement?
  • Does the protrusion next to the pendant function as a pin-set hand-setting mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Armstrong & Brother open faced pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material9 ct yellow gold“in 9 ct yellow gold case”
Gross Weight78.7 grams“9ct gross weight 78.7 grams”
Movement TypeKeyless wind mechanical“keyless wind, mechanical movement”
DialEnamel dial with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds dial“enamel dial with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and minute track”
Seller Condition NoteCurrently working but not tested for timekeeping; working order not guaranteed“pocket watch currently working but has not been tested for time keeping”

Visible details

  • Polished plain yellow-gold case back showing moderate light surface scratches and wear.
  • Ribbed cylindrical winding crown topped by a circular suspension bow.
  • Small pin or push-piece protrusion visible at the case edge to the right of the pendant.

Research qualifications

  • The dial and mechanical movement are described in the auction text but are not depicted in the provided photograph.
  • Maker marks, hallmarks, serial numbers, and exact production date are not documented in the catalogue entry.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Thomas Armstrong, Thomas Armstrong & Brother open faced pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ec05275ee9

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records