Gold Massey III by Tobias Pocket Watch, c. 1825

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The GOLD MASSEY III BY TOBIAS POCKET WATCH, dating back to circa 1825, is a captivating relic of horological history that embodies the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of the early 19th century. This exceptional timepiece, crafted by the renowned Samuel Tobias, is a Massey type three lever watch that showcases a breathtaking gold dial adorned with intricate engine-turned detailing and Roman numerals, further embellished with a stunning three-color gold foliate design. The elegant gold hands gracefully sweep across the dial, encased in an 18-carat engine-turned open face case, meticulously engraved and chased by the skilled artisan William Warner of Philadelphia. The watch remains in remarkable condition, with its crisp engine turning and well-preserved appearance, reflecting the high quality of its construction. At its heart lies a half plate gilt keywind fusee mechanism with Harrison’s maintaining power, accompanied by an engraved cock with a diamond endstone, a plain three-arm steel balance, and a blue steel spiral hairspring, all contributing to its precision and reliability. The English Massey type three lever escapement further enhances its performance, making it a marvel of engineering. The Tobias family, particularly Morris Tobias, was celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, and Samuel Tobias continued this legacy upon relocating to the United States, where he often imported movements and had them locally cased. This particular watch, cased by the esteemed William Warner, is a testament to the skill and artistry of its maker and casemaker, offering a stunning example of the horological craftsmanship of its era. Signed S I Tobias & Co – Liverpool, with a diameter of 46 mm and a depth of 7 mm, this watch is not only a valuable addition to any collection of antique timepieces but also a remarkable piece of history that encapsulates the elegance and sophistication of its time. This is an exceptional timepiece from the early 19th century, known as a Massey type three lever, crafted by Samuel Tobias. It features a stunning gold dial with intricate engine-turned detailing and Roman numerals, all adorned with exquisite three-color gold decoration in a foliate design. The gold hands add a touch of elegance to the dial. The watch is housed in an 18-carat engine-turned open face case, which has been beautifully engraved and chased by the skilled craftsman William Warner of Philadelphia. The watch is in excellent condition, with the engine turning still crisp and the overall appearance well-preserved. The movement is of high quality, with a half plate gilt keywind fusee mechanism and Harrison’s maintaining power. The engraved cock with a diamond endstone, the plain three-arm steel balance, and the blue steel spiral hairspring all contribute to the precision and reliability of this timepiece. The English Massey type three lever escapement further enhances its performance. It is worth noting that the Tobias family, particularly Morris Tobias, was renowned for their craftsmanship in manufacturing watches of this caliber. Samuel Tobias himself relocated to the United States in the early 19th century, where he continued the family’s legacy. They often imported these movements and had them cased locally. In the case of this particular watch, it was cased by the esteemed William Warner, who operated in Philadelphia from 1811 until the 1830s. Overall, this watch is not only a testament to the skill and artistry of its maker and casemaker but also a stunning example of the horological craftsmanship of its time. It would make a valuable addition to any collection of antique timepieces. Signed S I Tobias & Co – Liverpool Circa 1825 Diameter 46 mm Depth 7mm