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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face watch

Waltham 18ct Gold Open Face Pocket Watch with Up/Down Indicator

Partially verified

This open face keyless wind pocket watch by Waltham dates to circa 1927 and is cased in 18 carat gold. The four-piece hinged case bears Birmingham hallmarks for 1927. The white dial displays black Roman numerals, an up/down power reserve indicator below the 12 o'clock position, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The movement is fitted with a lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, overcoil balance spring, and 23 jewels. Measuring 49 mm in diameter, the timepiece is signed on both the dial and the movement.

Front view of the Waltham open face pocket watch showing the white dial with up/down power reserve subdial
Front view of the Waltham open face pocket watch showing the white dial with up/down power reserve subdial — Dreweatts 1759. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctions.dreweatts.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face watch
Form
Open-face pocket watch with power reserve indicator
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
213
Source-reported date
circa 1927
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
403364

Maker profile: American Waltham Watch Company — history, key models and current watchmaking.

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 Hallmarks

The timepiece is housed in a four-piece hinged case made of 18 carat gold. The watch is a keyless wind model featuring a pendant, crown, and bow positioned at 12 o'clock. The total gross weight is recorded as 95g.

The case features Birmingham hallmarks for 1927. The source reports that the hinges remain intact, though there are light scratches and marks on the case and crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “18 carat gold four piece hinged case, hallmarked for Birmingham 1927”
  • “95g gross”
  • “Case shows light scratches and marks. Hinges appear intact.”
  • “Crown has light scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe.”

Dial and Configuration

The dial is white and displays an up/down power reserve indicator subdial positioned beneath 12 o'clock and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.

Inspection under 4x magnification identified a hairline crack between the 10 and 11 o'clock markers, along with light marks and surface scratches on the dial and hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White”
  • “Up/down power reserve indication subdial positioned beneath 12 o'clock”
  • “Hairline crack between 10 and 11”
  • “Dial appears to be in an average condition with some light marks and scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe.”

Movement

The movement is identified as a 23-jewel mechanism featuring a lever escapement, bimetallic split balance, and an overcoil balance spring. The movement is signed.

The source notes that the movement is currently functioning, though it exhibits scratches, marks, and tarnishing. The auction house does not provide guarantees regarding the accuracy or working order of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Bimetallic split balance, overcoil balance spring, lever escapement, 23 jewels”
  • “Movement has scratches, marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear visible when viewed under a 4x loupe.”
  • “Movement is currently functioning.”
  • “Dreweatts 1759 do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 403364 correlate with specific Waltham production ledgers?
  • What is the significance of the Birmingham hallmark on a watch described as 'Waltham, U.S.A' regarding its assembly or importation history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham 18ct Gold Open Face Pocket Watch with Up/Down Indicator
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18 carat gold four piece hinged case“18 carat gold four piece hinged case, hallmarked for Birmingham 1927”
Movement Jewels23 jewels“lever escapement, 23 jewels”
DialWhite“Dial: White”
Size49mm“Size: 49mm”
Gross Weight95g gross“95g gross”
Serial Number403364“NO. 403364”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals and an outer railroad minute track
  • Up/down power reserve indication subdial positioned beneath 12 o'clock
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position
  • Yellow metal case with pendant, crown, and bow at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Source condition report notes a hairline crack on the dial between 10 and 11
  • Source notes light marks, scratches, and tarnishing under 4x loupe inspection
  • No box or paperwork accompany the lot

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

Consulted source

WALTHAM, U.S.A, AN 18 CARAT GOLD KEYLESS WIND OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH WITH UP/DOWN INDICATOR

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record a08906c791

Terms in this record

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

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