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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Victorian Open Face Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this Victorian open-face pocket watch dates to approximately the 1850s. The 51mm 18-karat yellow gold case is recorded as signed '2291' twice and features a floral engraved cuvette. Internally, the watch is reported to house a frosted gilt 8-jewel Swiss movement with a cylinder escapement, operating via key wind and set. The gilt dial features an engraved architectural landscape scene framed within a shaped central reserve, applied gold Roman numerals, black-painted hands described by the source as 'Orientales', and an auxiliary subsidiary seconds dial above the 6 o'clock position.

Front view of the open-face pocket watch showing the engraved gilt dial, applied Roman numerals, and ornate bezel
Front view of the open-face pocket watch showing the engraved gilt dial, applied Roman numerals, and ornate bezel — Cowan's Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
36
Source-reported date
ca 1850's
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
2291

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 Construction

This Victorian-era open-face pocket watch features a 51mm 18-karat yellow gold case. The exterior features carved or chased floral and scrolling decoration along the bezel and pendant bow.

The interior contains a floral engraved cuvette. The case is reported to be signed '2291' twice.

Evidence for this section
  • “51mm Case signed 2291 twice.”
  • “Floral engraved cuvette.”
  • “Carved or chased floral and scrolling decoration along the bezel and pendant bow”

Dial and Aesthetic Design

The gilt dial features an engraved architectural landscape scene, noted as depicting a building with a spire and foliage. Time is indicated by applied gold Roman numerals and black-painted 'Orientales' hands.

The watch includes an auxiliary subsidiary seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt dial with engraved scene, sub seconds dial and applied gold Roman numerals.”
  • “Black painted Orientales hands.”
  • “Engraved central landscape on the dial depicting a building with a spire and surrounding foliage”
  • “Sub-seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock Roman numeral marker”

Mechanism and Reported Specifications

The watch is reported to contain a frosted gilt 8-jewel Swiss movement with a cylinder escapement. Operation is via key wind and set.

The auction description serves as the source for these technical specifications; the internal movement was not provided for visual inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Swiss cylinder escapement.”
  • “Frosted gilt 8 jewel movement.”
  • “Key wind and set.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks present on the interior of the cuvette or case?
  • What is the functional status of the cylinder escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Victorian Open Face Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter51mm“51mm Case signed 2291 twice.”
Movement jewel count8 jewels“Frosted gilt 8 jewel movement.”
Escapement typeSwiss cylinder escapement“Swiss cylinder escapement.”
Winding and settingKey wind and set“Key wind and set.”
Dial descriptionGilt dial with engraved scene, sub seconds dial and applied gold Roman numerals“Gilt dial with engraved scene, sub seconds dial and applied gold Roman numerals.”

Visible details

  • Engraved central landscape on the dial depicting a building with a spire and surrounding foliage
  • Elaborately pierced and dark-finished decorative hour and minute hands
  • Carved or chased floral and scrolling decoration along the bezel and pendant bow
  • Sub-seconds dial positioned above the 6 o'clock Roman numeral marker

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and inner cuvette are not shown in the provided images
  • Specific maker is not specified in the auction listing

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

Terms in this record

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