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18 Carat Ladies Enamelled Watch with 9 Carat Pinned Bow, c. 1890 — view 1 of 6
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

18 Carat Ladies Enamelled Watch with 9 Carat Pinned Bow, c. 1890

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
c. 1890
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
enamel
Stock no.
Product 5369
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 5369)
Catalogue title (original)
18 Carat Ladies Enamelled Watch with 9 Carat Pinned Bow (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 5369), this is a pocket watch, dated c. 1890. The Atlas places it in the Industrial Revolution period (1850 – 1900) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: enamel. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step into a world of timeless elegance and historical allure with this remarkable 18 Carat Ladies Enamelled Watch, adorned with a 9 Carat Pinned Bow, dating back to circa 1890. This exquisite antique fob watch is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era, meticulously crafted in 18ct gold and featuring a captivating enamel design that is sure to enchant any admirer. Bearing the prestigious 18K stamp, it houses a Swiss movement from around 1890, imbuing it with a rich sense of history and charm. The watch’s unique character is further enhanced by the addition of a delicate 9ct gold bow and pin, introduced in 1912, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also underscores the watch’s enduring legacy. Accompanied by its original key for winding and time adjustment, this timepiece offers both functionality and a nostalgic nod to its past. The outer case, predominantly crafted from 18ct gold, with a metal dust cover, showcases the attention to detail and superior craftsmanship that defines this remarkable piece. Presented in its original fitted leather box, lined with satin and velvet, this watch is not only protected but also beautifully displayed, making it a true collector’s treasure. With its Victorian style, originating from the United Kingdom, this watch embodies the elegance and sophistication of the late 19th century, making it a perfect addition to any discerning collector’s ensemble. Whether cherished for its historical significance or admired for its exquisite design, this antique watch is a timeless piece that transcends generations, offering a glimpse into the elegance of the past while remaining a cherished treasure for the present and future. This exquisite ladies fob watch is a true antique beauty. Crafted in 18ct gold, it features a stunning enamel design and is marked with the prestigious 18K stamp. The swiss movement inside dates back to around 1890, giving it a sense of history and charm. What sets this watch apart is the addition of a 9ct gold bow and pin, which were added in 1912. This delicate detail adds a touch of elegance and serves as a testament to the watch’s longevity. To wind and adjust the time, simply use the original key that accompanies the watch. It fits perfectly into the designated slot, allowing for easy manipulation and customization. The outer case of this timepiece is predominantly made of 18ct gold, with only the inside dust cover being made of metal. This showcases the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that went into creating this watch. To top it all off, this watch comes with its original fitted box. Made of leather and adorned with a satin and velvet lining, the box adds an extra layer of protection and enhances the overall presentation of this unique timepiece. All in all, this antique 18ct ladies enamelled watch with a 9ct pinned bow is a true treasure, steeped in both history and elegance. Its timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship make it a perfect addition to any collector’s ensemble. Case Material: 18k Gold,Enamel Case Dimensions: Height: 70 mm (2.76 in)Width: 35 mm (1.38 in)Depth: 10 mm (0.4 in) Style: Victorian Place of Origin: United Kingdom Period: 1880-1889 Date of Manufacture: 1890/1912 Condition: Good

Historical context

Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)

American interchangeable-parts manufacture; railroad time standards; Swiss and German factory systems.

Machine production with interchangeable parts, pioneered by Waltham (1850s) and adopted by Elgin, Longines, Omega and others, made reliable lever watches widely affordable. Keyless winding became standard, railroad watch standards were introduced (1890s), and Swiss and American industries competed globally.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Precision & Scientific Horology

Atlas type guide

Pocket watches

The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.

Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.

What to look for

  • The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
  • Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
  • Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
  • Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
  • Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.

Dating clues

  • Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
  • Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
  • Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre

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