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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · English lever pocket watch

W.M. Robinson Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch by W.M. Robinson features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 46mm in diameter. The object is identified as an English lever movement, which is key-wound. The design includes extensive engraving on the exterior case and a matching gold dial. The dial features Roman numeral hour markers and a recessed sub-dial. The source description provides conflicting information regarding the period, labeling the object as both a 20th-century watch and a piece originating from the 1820s. The watch is presented in a round shape and is reported to be in excellent condition. The aesthetic details include a central scene engraved on the dial surface, integrated with the numeral chapter ring. .

Front view of the 46mm gold pocket watch showing the engraved dial, Roman numerals, and sub-dial.
Front view of the 46mm gold pocket watch showing the engraved dial, Roman numerals, and sub-dial. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · English lever pocket watch
Maker / attribution
W.M. Robinson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Unknown (source documentation is contradictory)
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Dial Design

The watch is housed in a 46mm round case fabricated from 18k yellow gold. The exterior surfaces of the case are decorated with ornate engraving, consistent with the styling of the suspension loop and bow. The movement is accessed via a key-wound mechanism, distinguishing it from stem-wound timepieces.

The gold dial exhibits a central engraved landscape scene, which occupies the area within the chapter ring. Roman numeral hour markers are situated around the perimeter of the dial. A recessed circular sub-dial is positioned near the bottom, intended for tracking seconds, and maintains the engraved texture consistent with the primary dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Crafted meticulously in 18k yellow gold”
  • “Its 46mm case, adorned with exquisite engravings”
  • “The gold Roman numeral dial adds a touch of elegance”

Movement and Construction

The watch utilizes an English lever escapement. This mechanism is described as key-wound, requiring an external tool for tensioning the mainspring, a feature of pocket watches preceding modern stem-winding systems.

The construction incorporates high-karat gold for both the case and the dial plate. . No specific caliber or movement plate information is provided by the source, focusing solely on the lever configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “this English lever pocket watch”
  • “Every detail of this key-wound watch is thoughtfully designed”

Attribution and Dating Discrepancies

The provided source documentation contains conflicting information regarding the temporal origin of the object.

The creator is identified as W.M. Robinson. The provenance of the maker is not established in the source material, and the attribution relies on the provided auction description. The object is cataloged as a certified preowned vintage timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Period: 20th Century”
  • “This pocket watch dates back to the 1820s”

Open research questions

  • Can the maker W.M. Robinson be identified in historical English watchmaking records from the 1820s?
  • Is the 20th-century designation in the metadata a cataloguing error given the 1820s description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for W.M. Robinson Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerW.M. Robinson“Creator: W.M. Robinson”
Case Material18k yellow gold“Crafted meticulously in 18k yellow gold”
Case Dimensions46 mm“Height: 46 mm (1.82 in)Width: 46 mm (1.82 in)”
Movement TypeEnglish lever“this English lever pocket watch”
Winding MechanismKey-wound“Every detail of this key-wound watch is thoughtfully designed”
Dating1820s“This pocket watch dates back to the 1820s”
ConditionExcellent“Condition: Excellent”

Visible details

  • Gold dial features an engraved central landscape scene
  • Case and suspension loop are ornately engraved
  • Recessed circular sub-dial for seconds
  • Roman numeral markers applied to the dial

Research qualifications

  • Source provides contradictory dating between 20th century and 1820s
  • Maker attribution to W.M. Robinson is stated but lacks corroborating historical context

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

Consulted source

W.M. Robinson pocket watch 46mm - 20th Century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7deec3e54a

Terms in this record

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

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