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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Unsigned gold open face pocket watch, No. 14831

Partially verified

This unsigned open face pocket watch measures 45 mm across and features a white dial with Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to the auction catalogue, the timepiece is fitted with a four-piece hinged gold case stamped 18K, featuring an engine-turned back cover with a vacant cartouche. The movement is reported to feature a cylinder escapement, flat balance spring, and a three-armed domed balance. The watch is accompanied by an 18 carat gold chain and two winding keys.

Front view of the unsigned gold open face pocket watch with attached chain and two winding keys
Front view of the unsigned gold open face pocket watch with attached chain and two winding keys — Dreweatts 1759. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
153
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
14831

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 Design

The object is an unsigned, open-face pocket watch, number 14831. It is housed in a four-piece hinged gold case with a diameter of 45 mm, stamped 18K. The case back features engine-turned decoration and a vacant cartouche.

The watch is accompanied by an 18 carat gold chain and two winding keys.

Evidence for this section
  • “UNSIGNED A GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, NO. 14831”
  • “Case: Gold four piece hinged case, the back cover with engine turned decoration and a vacant cartouche, stamped 18K”
  • “Size: 45mm”
  • “Accessories: 18 carat gold chain, two keys”

Dial and Visual Condition

The watch has a white dial. Condition reports indicate the dial features a series of hairline cracks, and the hands show marks and tarnishing when viewed under a 4x loupe. The glass also exhibits scratches and marks.

The case shows light scratches and marks, and the engine turning is described as worn, though the hinges appear intact.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White”
  • “Dial has a series of hairline cracks”
  • “Hands show marks and tarnishing when viewed under a x4 loupe”
  • “Glass has some scratches and marks when viewed under a 4x loupe”
  • “Case shows light scratches and marks. Engine turning worn Hinges appear intact.”

Mechanism and Technical Configuration

The movement features a three-armed domed balance, a flat balance spring, and a cylinder escapement. The movement is reported to be currently functioning, though it shows scratches, marks, and tarnishing commensurate with general wear.

The auctioneer does not guarantee the working order or accuracy of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Three armed domed balance, flat balance spring, cylinder escapement”
  • “Movement is currently functioning.”
  • “Movement has scratches, marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear”
  • “Dreweatts 1759 do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold.”

Open research questions

  • What specific markings or hallmarks exist on the interior of the case back beyond the '18K' stamp?
  • Does the serial number '14831' correspond to a specific manufacturer or time period?
  • Are there any maker's marks on the movement plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned gold open face pocket watch, No. 14831
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement configurationThree armed domed balance, flat balance spring, cylinder escapement“Movement: Three armed domed balance, flat balance spring, cylinder escapement”
CaseGold four piece hinged case, stamped 18K“Case: Gold four piece hinged case, the back cover with engine turned decoration and a vacant cartouche, stamped 18K”
Diameter45mm“Size: 45mm”
Gross watch weight59g gross“Pocket watch - 59g gross”
Gross chain weight55g“Chain - 55g”
Gross watch weight59g“Pocket watch - 59g gross”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock
  • Gold-toned open-face pocket watch case with top pendant and bow
  • Accompanied by a curb-link watch chain, T-bar, and two winding keys

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, case back decoration, and hallmarks are not visible in the primary image.
  • No date of production or geographic origin is stated in the auction listing.

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED A GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH, NO. 14831 Movement: Three armed domed balan

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c2224be33f

Terms in this record

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

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