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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Case & Dial

Pair case

An inner case holding the movement within a separate outer protective case.

Explanation

A pair case is the double case of 17th–18th century English watches: a plain inner case holding the movement and a protective outer case, often decorated, repoussé or covered in shagreen or tortoiseshell. The pair-case watch was bulky but robust. Outer cases survive separately, so matched original pairs with consecutive hallmarks command a premium.

In the object catalogue

Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Pair case”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.