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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Trenton Watch Co. 18-Size Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This American pocket watch by the Trenton Watch Co dates to circa 1895. Built in an 18 size, the source states it houses a 7-jewel nickel full-plate lever movement decorated with damascening, signed 'Trenton Watch Co, Trenton, NJ' under number 302569. Stem-wound and lever-set, the movement is cased in a gold-plated open-face housing measuring 55 mm wide by 20 mm deep, featuring chased scrolling foliate relief along the bezel and sides. The white enamel dial displays Arabic numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.

Dial view of the Trenton Watch Co. 18-size open-face pocket watch
Dial view of the Trenton Watch Co. 18-size open-face pocket watch — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Trenton Watch Co
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA89 (AB-14764)
Source-reported date
c1895
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
302569

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 timepiece presents a white enamel dial with Arabic numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is signed 'Trenton Watch Co' in script below the 12 o'clock marker and features blued steel spade hands.

The source description states that the dial has a hairline crack located between the 10 and 11 markers. The listing and observation also record that the watch lacks a glass crystal, leaving the dial and hands exposed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Full-face view showing white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and script 'Trenton Watch Co.' signature”
  • “Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Trenton Watch Co”. The dial is in 90% mint condition – a hairline between the 10 and 11”
  • “THE WATCH RUNS AND KEEPS TIME TO AROUND 2-3 MINUTES A DAY BUT HAS NO GLASS”

Case Construction and Ornamentation

The movement is fitted in a gold-plated open-face case measuring 55 mm wide by 20 mm deep. The case is constructed with a screw-off back and a screw-off front bezel.

Visual observation indicates engraved foliate scrolling on the bezel and visible rim, complemented by a fluted winding crown and rounded bow at the 12 o'clock position. The source further describes the case as having richly chased sides with floral engraving and engine turning.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a gold plated open face case, which has a screw off back and front bezel.”
  • “The case has richly chased sides with floral engraving and engine turning.”
  • “The watch measures 55mm wide x 20mm deep”
  • “Engraved foliate scrolling on the bezel and visible case rim”

Reported Movement and Operating Mechanism

Because the interior mechanism is not visible in the provided photograph, technical details are based on dealer documentation. The seller describes an 18-size, stem-wound and lever-set nickel full-plate lever movement decorated with damascening.

The plate is reported to be signed 'Trenton Watch Co, Trenton, NJ' with serial number 302569 and 7 jewels. The seller notes light scratches on the movement and offered the watch without warranty in their restoration section, noting it ran to approximately 2–3 minutes a day.

Evidence for this section
  • “18 size 7 Jewel TRENTON Watch Co pocket watch c1895”
  • “Movement – the nickel full plate lever movement is decorated with damascening and is signed “Trenton Watch Co, Trenton, NJ” # 302569. The movement is in 90% mint condition – light scratches”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”
  • “This watch is sold in our Watches for restoration section and does not come with a warranty.”

Open research questions

  • What specific maker or purity hallmarks, if any, are stamped on the interior of the screw-off case back?
  • Can direct examination of the uncased movement confirm the reported 7-jewel configuration and serial number 302569?
  • What style and size of replacement glass crystal is required to fit the screw-off front bezel?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Trenton Watch Co. 18-Size Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTrenton Watch Co“This is an American made pocket watch by the Trenton Watch Co circa 1895”
Movement Serial Number302569“signed “Trenton Watch Co, Trenton, NJ” # 302569”
Size and Jewels18 size, 7 jewels“18 size 7 Jewel TRENTON Watch Co pocket watch c1895”
Dimensions55mm wide x 20mm deep“The watch measures 55mm wide x 20mm deep”
CaseGold plated open face case“the movement comes in a gold plated open face case, which has a screw off back and front bezel.”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”
Dial Condition NoteHairline crack between 10 and 11“The dial is in 90% mint condition – a hairline between the 10 and 11”
CrystalMissing glass crystal“THE WATCH RUNS AND KEEPS TIME TO AROUND 2-3 MINUTES A DAY BUT HAS NO GLASS”
Case Opening MechanismScrew-off back and front bezel“which has a screw off back and front bezel.”

Visible details

  • Full-face view showing white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and script 'Trenton Watch Co.' signature
  • Engraved foliate scrolling on the bezel and visible case rim
  • Fluted winding crown and rounded bow at the 12 o'clock position
  • Sunken subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock
  • Blued steel spade hands

Research qualifications

  • The source reports the watch lacks a glass crystal
  • Movement is described by the source but not visible in the provided photograph

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

Consulted source

18 size 7 Jewel TRENTON Watch Co pocket watch c1895 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2274707f97

Terms in this record

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

Other open-face pocket watch records