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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Zenith open face pocket watch with agate case and 24-hour indication

Partially verified

This open face pocket watch by Zenith dates to circa 1930 and features a 50.5 mm diameter case constructed from gold filled metal and carved agate. The dark agate case body is accented with natural lighter banding, paired with a reeded bezel. The white enamel dial displays stylized Arabic numerals, an outer blue 24-hour track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, and ornate dark hands. It is powered by a manual-wind keyless lever escapement movement signed by the maker.

Front view of Zenith open face pocket watch showing agate case, reeded bezel, and white enamel dial with 24-hour numerals
Front view of Zenith open face pocket watch showing agate case, reeded bezel, and white enamel dial with 24-hour numerals — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Zenith
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
948
Source-reported date
Circa 1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Hardstone Carving

The open-face pocket watch measures 50.5 mm in diameter and combines gold-filled metal with carved agate. According to the auction catalogue essay, the case back is produced from a single piece of agate displaying brownish to black tones and highlighted by white strips, accompanied by a reeded bezel.

Observation of the front view confirms a dark polished agate rim showing white horizontal banding on the sides, surrounding an inner gold-toned bezel ring with a reeded pattern.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material Gold filled and Agate”
  • “Dimensions 50.5mm diameter”
  • “The watch case back is produced from a single piece of Agate with brownish to black tones and highlighted by white strips with a reeded bezel.”
  • “Dark polished agate rim showing white horizontal banding on the sides.”
  • “Reeded pattern around the inner gold-toned bezel ring.”

Dial Layout and Display Features

The pocket watch features a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and an outer 24-hour indication. The dial is also catalogued as signed by the maker.

Direct visual inspection shows a subsidiary seconds register positioned above the 6 o'clock marker, as well as Breguet-style open-tipped hour and minute hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Zenith A rare, very fine gold filled and agate open face pocket watch with enamel dial, Arabic numerals and 24-hour indication”
  • “The white enamel dial is enhanced with outer 24-hour indication.”
  • “Signed Dial and movement signed”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned above the 6 o'clock marker.”
  • “Breguet-style open-tipped hour and minute hands.”

Reported Movement and Documentation Limits

The movement is catalogued as a manual-wind, keyless lever escapement caliber signed by Zenith, with the overall piece dated to circa 1930.

The specific caliber number and movement or case serial numbers are not recorded in this source. In addition, the movement and the reverse of the agate case back are not visible in the available front image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Year Circa 1930”
  • “Calibre Manual, keyless lever”
  • “Signed Dial and movement signed”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber reference and movement serial number are marked on the Zenith keyless lever movement?
  • How is the single-piece agate back secured to the gold-filled bezel and movement casing?
  • Does the watch case bear any serial numbers, casemaker hallmarks, or gold-filled purity stamps?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Zenith open face pocket watch with agate case and 24-hour indication
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerZenith“Manufacturer Zenith”
Date of productionCirca 1930“Year Circa 1930”
MaterialsGold filled and Agate“Material Gold filled and Agate”
Diameter50.5mm diameter“Dimensions 50.5mm diameter”
CalibreManual, keyless lever“Calibre Manual, keyless lever”
SignaturesDial and movement signed“Signed Dial and movement signed”
Auction ResultSold for HK$32,760“Sold For HK$32,760”
Auction EstimateHK$8,000–16,000“Estimate HK$8,000–16,000”

Visible details

  • Reeded pattern around the inner gold-toned bezel ring.
  • Dark polished agate rim showing white horizontal banding on the sides.
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned above the 6 o'clock marker.
  • Breguet-style open-tipped hour and minute hands.

Research qualifications

  • The case back and movement are not visible in the provided image.
  • Specific movement calibre designation is not stated in the source text.

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

Consulted source

Zenith The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7bbac78ab0

Terms in this record

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

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