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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face fob watch

Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch

Partially verified

This Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch is hallmarked London 1867 and bears the case sponsor's mark JW, attributed probably by the seller to Joseph Walton. Measuring 40mm in diameter with a gross weight of 49.2g, the case is numbered 32292 and features an engine-turned back with a vacant central cartouche. The timepiece has an engraved gilt dial decorated with floral and scrolling motifs, black Roman numerals, and blued steel hands. It hinges open to reveal an inner dust cover and key-winding arbor, and is accompanied by a decorative watch key and a later box from James Keir Ltd of Cardiff.

Front view of the Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch in a later presentation case with winding key
Front view of the Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch in a later presentation case with winding key — Taliesin Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face fob watch
Maker / attribution
Joseph Walton
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
11966 (AB-301220)
Source-reported date
1867
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
32292

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 Construction and Maker Attribution

The open-face fob watch is housed in an 18ct gold case hallmarked for London 1867 and stamped with the case number 32292. The exterior reverse features engine turning centered by an unengraved vacant cartouche, and the case is fitted with a rounded bow and spherical pendant. Opening the hinged back provides access to an inner dust cover protecting the movement.

The case carries the sponsor's mark 'JW', which the seller notes is probably attributable to Joseph Walton following his registration of a JW mark at the London Assay Office in 1867. This maker attribution is reported by the dealer rather than verified by an independent assay archive extract in this record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch, hallmarked London 1867”
  • “The case is numbered 32292 and carries the JW sponsor’s mark, probably that of Joseph Walton, who registered his JW mark at the London Assay Office in 1867.”
  • “The engine-turned back retains its vacant central cartouche, while the hinged case opens to the inner dust cover and key-winding arbor.”
  • “Gold open-face case fitted with a rounded bow and spherical pendant.”

Dial Design and Measurements

The watch features an engraved gilt dial decorated with floral and scrolling motifs. Hour indications are delineated by black Roman numerals and indicated by blued steel hour and minute hands.

The case diameter is recorded as 40mm, with listed overall dimensions of 4cm in width by 5cm in height. The gross weight of the timepiece is stated as 49.2g.

Evidence for this section
  • “40mm case and 49.2g gross weight”
  • “Engraved gilt dial with central floral and scrollwork detailing.”
  • “Black Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel hour and minute hands.”
  • “Dimensions W: 4cm (1.6") H: 5cm (2")”

Condition and Accompanying Accessories

The watch is key-wound via an arbor accessed through the inner dust cover. The seller records the movement as currently non-running; caliber specifications, jewel counts, and escapement type are not documented in the listing.

The timepiece is accompanied by a decorative watch key adorned with a six-pointed star medallion. It is housed in a later fitted presentation case lined with blue textured fabric and printed for retailer James Keir Ltd, 8 Royal Arcade, Cardiff.

Evidence for this section
  • “Currently non-running, with winding key and later James Keir Ltd Cardiff box”
  • “It comes with a later James Keir Ltd box from 8 Royal Arcade, Cardiff and a decorative winding key”
  • “Accompanied by a watch key featuring a six-pointed star medallion.”
  • “Resting in a later fitted presentation case lined with blue textured fabric.”

Open research questions

  • What escapement configuration and train layout are fitted to the movement beneath the inner dust cover?
  • Does the movement plate bear any maker signature or a serial number corresponding to case number 32292?
  • Can the 'JW' mark punch design be verified against the 1867 London Assay Office register for Joseph Walton?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Hallmark and Material18ct gold, hallmarked London 1867“Victorian 18ct gold open-face fob watch, hallmarked London 1867”
Case Number32292“The case is numbered 32292”
Case Maker AttributionProbably Joseph Walton (sponsor mark JW)“carries the JW sponsor’s mark, probably that of Joseph Walton, who registered his JW mark at the London Assay Office in 1867.”
Dimensions and Weight40mm case; 49.2g gross weight“40mm case and 49.2g gross weight”
Dial DecorationEngraved gilt dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands“Engraved gilt dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands”
Operating StatusCurrently non-running“Currently non-running, with winding key and later James Keir Ltd Cardiff box”
Overall Dimensions4cm width by 5cm height“Dimensions W: 4cm (1.6") H: 5cm (2")”
Retail Box BrandingJames Keir Ltd, 8 Royal Arcade, Cardiff“later James Keir Ltd box from 8 Royal Arcade, Cardiff”

Visible details

  • Engraved gilt dial with central floral and scrollwork detailing.
  • Black Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel hour and minute hands.
  • Gold open-face case fitted with a rounded bow and spherical pendant.
  • Accompanied by a watch key featuring a six-pointed star medallion.
  • Resting in a later fitted presentation case lined with blue textured fabric.

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Joseph Walton is based on the sponsor mark JW and London Assay Office records, but is noted as probable rather than definitive.
  • Movement caliber and escapement details are not documented in the listing.
  • The seller reports the watch as currently non-running.

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

Consulted source

Victorian 18ct gold key wind open face fob watch London 1867 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f3ba17ed79

Terms in this record

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