Glossary · Case & Dial
Pocket watch case
The protective housing, described by configuration, material and construction.
Explanation
Pocket watch cases were made in gold, silver, gold-filled, rolled gold, silveroid, nickel, gunmetal and steel, in hunter (covered), open-face, half-hunter and convertible forms. American cases were often made by specialist case companies and sold separately from movements, which is why so many watches have been recased. Case marks — hallmarks, patent marks, case-maker stamps and serial numbers — are essential evidence for dating and originality.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Pocket watch case”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Pocket watch
Pforzheimer, Dreyfus & Keller Fitch Patent Sterling Silver Pocket Watch Case #6175 with American Watch Co. Movement
“Pforzheimer, Dreyfus & Keller Fitch Patent Sterling Silver Pocket Watch Case #6175 with American Watch Co. Movement”
Pocket watch
English Consular Case Verge Fusée Pocket Watch by Windmills of London
“Polished silver consular pocket watch case with prominent oval bow, round pendant, and external case hinge at approximately 9 o'clock.”
Pocket watch
J F Bautte et Cie Swiss Quarter Repeating Cylinder Pocket Watch
“Yellow gold open-face pocket watch case with elaborate chased floral and foliate scrolling on the bezel, pendant, and bow”
Pocket watch
1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch
“Octagonal yellow metal pocket watch case back engraved with an elaborate script monogram.”
Pocket watch
Aurora Watch Co., Webb C. Ball pocket watch movement
“Open-face pocket watch case with ribbed winding crown and rounded bow at 3 o'clock”
Pocket watch
French 18 Karat Gold Semi Pocket Watch with Agate Fob
“Circular textured gold pocket watch case back decorated with an intertwined multi-colored gem-set monogram”