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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch with Enamel Dial

Partially verified

This open-faced antique pocket watch is attributed to the Waltham Watch Company, with the seller giving dates of 1897, the 1890–1899 period, and the 1900s. The yellow gold-filled case features relief-patterned borders around the bezel and bow. The white dial, signed 'WALTHAM', features black Arabic numerals bordered by gold-toned stars and dots, accompanied by decorative gilt Louis-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock. The seller reports a 17-jewel manual winding 'Royal' caliber movement with a micrometre regulator, though internal mechanisms remain unverified from the front-facing photograph.

Dial and case front of the Waltham yellow gold-filled pocket watch
Dial and case front of the Waltham yellow gold-filled pocket watch — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Waltham Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1897
Country
North America

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

Dial and Visual Presentation

The watch features a white dial signed 'WALTHAM' beneath 12 o'clock, described in the source as a kiln-fired enamel dial. Hour markers are rendered as black Arabic numerals accompanied by an inner ring of gold-colored stars and dots, with a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock.

Visual observation indicates ornate openwork gilt hands on both the main dial and the subsidiary seconds register. The seller text refers to these as 'Guilt Louis IV hands', claiming they are original and in pristine condition, though such claims reflect vendor assessment rather than independent verification.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial signed 'WALTHAM' beneath 12 o'clock.”
  • “Arabic hour numerals accented with an inner ring of gold-colored stars and dots.”
  • “kiln-fired enamel ⁤dial”
  • “Ornate openwork gilt hands on main dial and sub-seconds.”
  • “Guilt ‌Louis IV hands”

Case and External Construction

The timepiece is housed in an open-faced yellow gold-filled case. Photographic observation shows a patterned bezel rim and a ribbed winding crown with an arched bow.

The seller categorizes the piece's style as 'Art Nouveau' and notes that it comes with a pocket watch chain. Specific dimensions, case diameter, and inner case markings or hallmarks are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in a yellow gold-filled ​open-faced design”
  • “Yellow gold-tone case with a patterned bezel rim and ribbed crown.”
  • “Style: Art Nouveau”
  • “comes complete with a pocket watch chain”

Reported Movement and Technical Claims

The source reports that the watch contains a manual winding movement with 17 jewels and a 'Royal' caliber, fitted with a micrometre regulator intended for adjustments to the balance wheel.

Because only a front-facing image of the dial and case is provided, internal mechanical components, movement grades, and jewel counts are unverified. No movement serial number is recorded in the source text or visible in the imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual winding movement ⁤with 17 jewels”
  • “"Royal" caliber”
  • “micrometre regulator”

Dating and Source Inconsistencies

The vendor listing presents multiple conflicting dates for the piece. The listing title and narrative text state that it dates back to '1897', while the listing's structured details specify 'Period: 1890-1899' alongside a separate 'Date of Manufacture: 1900’s'.

Because movement and case serial numbers are not recorded in this source, these conflicting late 19th-century and early 20th-century dating claims cannot be resolved against factory production records.

Evidence for this section
  • “dating back to 1897”
  • “Period: 1890-1899”
  • “Date of Manufacture: 1900’s”

Open research questions

  • What is the serial number stamped on the movement, and what precise production date does it indicate in Waltham ledger records?
  • Can the conflicting vendor dates (1897, 1890–1899, and 1900s) be reconciled by inspecting movement and case hallmarks?
  • Does internal inspection confirm the reported 17-jewel 'Royal' caliber and micrometre regulator?
  • What are the case dimensions and the case maker's marks inside the caseback?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch with Enamel Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWaltham Watch Company“Creator: Waltham Watch Company”
Case MaterialYellow gold-filled“Encased in a yellow gold-filled ​open-faced design”
Jewel Count17 jewels“manual winding movement ⁤with 17 jewels”
CaliberRoyal caliber“"Royal" caliber”
RegulatorMicrometre regulator“micrometre regulator”
Dial MaterialKiln-fired enamel“kiln-fired enamel ⁤dial”
Place of OriginNorth America“Place of Origin: North America”
Reported AccessoryPocket watch chain“comes complete with a pocket watch chain”

Visible details

  • White dial signed 'WALTHAM' beneath 12 o'clock.
  • Arabic hour numerals accented with an inner ring of gold-colored stars and dots.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Ornate openwork gilt hands on main dial and sub-seconds.
  • Yellow gold-tone case with a patterned bezel rim and ribbed crown.

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting dates: 1897, 1890-1899, and '1900's'.
  • Movement caliber, jewel count, and regulator are claimed by the source but not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Pocket Watch With Enamel Dial - 1897 » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3a1435541c

Terms in this record

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

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