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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter key wind pocket watch

Thomas Clapham 18K Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K gold half hunter key wind pocket watch was produced in London and features a London hallmark for 1862. The watch is housed in a 51mm diameter engine-turned consular case, with a blue Roman numeral chapter ring displayed on the front cover. The white enamel dial is signed by Thomas Clapham of 18 Piccadilly, London, and features black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position. The timepiece is powered by a gilt three-quarter plate English lever movement, numbered 5034, which incorporates a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance. The watch is equipped with gilt double spade hands. The source indicates that the movement currently requires mechanical attention.

Open view of the Thomas Clapham half hunter pocket watch showing the white dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds.
Open view of the Thomas Clapham half hunter pocket watch showing the white dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds. — Bonhams, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter key wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Clapham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1862
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
5034

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

Case and Exterior

The timepiece is constructed with an 18K gold consular-style case, measuring 51mm in diameter. The exterior surface of the case features engine-turned decoration. The watch is configured as a half hunter, meaning the front cover includes a small aperture or glazed window that allows the user to read the time without fully opening the watch.

The front cover is further adorned with a blue Roman numeral chapter ring, which serves as a decorative and functional element for viewing the time while the case remains closed.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece features an engine-turned consular case measuring 51mm in diameter, with a blue Roman numeral chapter ring on the front cover.”
  • “crafted from 18K gold”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white dial, which is signed by the maker with the address at 18 Piccadilly, London. The dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and a corresponding black outer minute track for precise reading of the time.

A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, balanced by the central gilt double spade hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white dial is signed by the maker and displays black Roman numeral hour markers, a black outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.”
  • “The watch is completed with gilt double spade hands.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is a gilt three-quarter plate English lever mechanism, which bears the serial number 5034.

The watch operates using a key wind mechanism, which requires an external key to both wind the mainspring and set the time. It is reported by the auction source that the movement currently requires mechanical attention.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is powered by a gilt three-quarter plate English lever movement, numbered 5034, which includes a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance.”
  • “It is noted that the movement requires attention”

Open research questions

  • What specific records exist for the serial number 5034 within the context of Thomas Clapham's production ledger?
  • Can the engine-turning pattern on the case be matched to specific 1860s London casemakers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Clapham 18K Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Clapham“Thomas Clapham”
Date1862“London Hallmark for 1862”
Case Diameter51mm“measuring 51mm in diameter”
Material18K gold“crafted from 18K gold”
Serial Number5034“numbered 5034”
Movement TypeGilt 3/4 plate English lever“gilt three-quarter plate English lever movement”
BalanceCut and compensated bi-metallic“cut and compensated bi-metallic balance”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals
  • Gilt double spade style hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Engine-turned exterior case surface

Research qualifications

  • The source states that the movement requires attention
  • The classification as a probable record is noted by the source

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

Consulted source

Thomas Clapham 18K gold half hunter key wind pocket watch, 1862

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4c0dabf7cc

Terms in this record

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