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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Thomas Armstrong & Brother Sterling Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch is attributed by the source to Thomas Armstrong & Brother and housed in an English-made sterling silver case. The catalog notes an open face movement with a 3/4 plate, gilt finish, and French pin-set mechanism, numbered 519/156652 and dated to circa 1906. The dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and an inset subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Visible elements include a contrasting gold-toned fluted crown within a round bow and a pin-set pusher at the bezel edge near 1 o'clock. The source records accompanying sterling silver chain and an award fob.

Front view of the open face pocket watch showing the white dial, Roman numerals, and subsidiary seconds dial
Front view of the open face pocket watch showing the white dial, Roman numerals, and subsidiary seconds dial — Apple Tree Auction Center. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.appletreeauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Armstrong & Brother
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
5170
Source-reported date
circa 1906
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
519/156652

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 External Features

The timepiece presents an open-face configuration with a white dial displaying black Roman numeral hour indicators and an outer minute track. An inset subsidiary seconds register is positioned at the 6 o'clock position.

A contrasting gold-toned fluted winding crown is set within a circular silver-colored bow. On the upper rim of the case, to the right of the stem near the 1 o'clock position, sits a protruding pin-set pusher.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and outer track.”
  • “Inset subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker.”
  • “Contrasting gold-toned fluted winding crown fitted inside a circular silver-colored bow.”
  • “Small pin-set pusher protruding on the upper case rim to the right of the stem near 1 o'clock.”
  • “White dial Roman numeral indicators and sub-dial at 6 o' clock position.”

Reported Movement and Case Details

According to the auction listing, the watch is fitted in an English-made sterling silver case. The source describes age-related wear, particularly to the case reverse which reportedly features an ornate monogram, though the back is not visible in the provided image.

The catalog records an open-face movement configuration with a 3/4 plate, gilt finish, and French pin-set mechanism, numbered 519/156652 and dated circa 1906. The listing also notes that the watch wound and ran at the time of cataloging, but could not be set.

Evidence for this section
  • “English made sterling silver case.”
  • “Age related wear especially to case reverse ft. ornate monogram”
  • “Movement numbered 519/156652, circa 1906, open face movement configuration, 3/4 plate, gilt movement finish, French pin set.”
  • “Winds and runs at time of listing (can't be set).”

Chain, Fob, and Attribution Context

The lot includes an 11.5-inch sterling silver chain accompanied by an attached award fob or charm inscribed "HMI Cup 1908." Together, the chain and fob have a reported approximate total weight of 0.945 troy ounces.

Attribution to maker Thomas Armstrong & Brother is based entirely on the auction description, as no maker name is visible on the dial and internal movement or case markings are not pictured.

Evidence for this section
  • “Thomas Armstrong & Brother English Made Antique Pocket Watch on Chain with Fob”
  • “On sterling silver chain (11.5") with attached award fob/charm (HMI Cup 1908) - chain and fob approximately 0.945 troy ounces total weight.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and maker's marks are present inside the sterling silver case to confirm English manufacture and the circa 1906 date?
  • Is the movement signed or engraved with the Thomas Armstrong & Brother name, or is the attribution drawn from provenance or cataloging tradition?
  • What specific fault prevents the hands from setting via the pin-set mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Armstrong & Brother Sterling Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Armstrong & Brother“Thomas Armstrong & Brother English Made Antique Pocket Watch”
Movement Number519/156652“Movement numbered 519/156652”
Circa Datecirca 1906“circa 1906”
Movement Configuration3/4 plate, gilt finish, French pin set“open face movement configuration, 3/4 plate, gilt movement finish, French pin set.”
Case MaterialSterling silver“English made sterling silver case.”
Dial DescriptionWhite dial with Roman numerals and sub-dial“White dial Roman numeral indicators and sub-dial at 6 o' clock position.”
Case Reverse DecorationOrnate monogram“Age related wear especially to case reverse ft. ornate monogram”
Chain Length11.5 inches“On sterling silver chain (11.5")”
Accompanying Fob InscriptionHMI Cup 1908“attached award fob/charm (HMI Cup 1908)”
Chain and Fob WeightApproximately 0.945 troy ounces“chain and fob approximately 0.945 troy ounces total weight.”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and outer track.
  • Inset subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock marker.
  • Contrasting gold-toned fluted winding crown fitted inside a circular silver-colored bow.
  • Small pin-set pusher protruding on the upper case rim to the right of the stem near 1 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • The source reports the watch wound and ran at listing but could not be set.
  • Reported maker attribution is not signed on the visible dial surface.

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

Consulted source

Lot - Thomas Armstrong & Brother English Made Antique Pocket Watch on Chain with Fob

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 906f89a569

Terms in this record

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

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