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V John Pace of Bury, London hallmarked 18K Gold Pocket Watch, 1827 — view 1 of 6
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

V John Pace of Bury, London hallmarked 18K Gold Pocket Watch, 1827

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
1827
Country of origin
England
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold
Stock no.
Product 2386
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 2386)
Catalogue title (original)
V John Pace of Bury, London hallmarked 18K Gold Pocket Watch (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 2386), this is a pocket watch, made in England, dated 1827. The Atlas places it in the Precision & Scientific Horology period (1750 – 1850) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. 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 the world of timeless elegance with the V John Pace of Bury, London hallmarked 18K Gold Pocket Watch from 1827, a masterpiece that encapsulates the grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship of early 19th-century horology. This exquisite antique timepiece, hallmarked in the bustling city of London, stands as a testament to the artistry and precision of its era, crafted by the renowned watchmaker V John Pace. The watch’s 18K gold casing not only exudes opulence but also ensures durability and a lasting legacy, making it a cherished heirloom for generations. Its intricate design and the hallmark of authenticity speak volumes about its historical significance and the unparalleled skill involved in its creation. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a connoisseur of fine antiques, this pocket watch offers a unique glimpse into the past, blending functionality with an aesthetic appeal that transcends time. This antique timepiece is an absolute gem that is almost two centuries old, originating from the year 1827. Despite its age, the watch is in exceptional condition and is in perfect working order. It was crafted by one of the most renowned English watchmakers, John Pace of Bury, during the Georgian era. The craftsmanship of this timepiece is outstanding, thus making it unrivalled in value and cultural importance. The case, designed as an open structure, was elegantly crafted with finesse. It is made entirely of 18K yellow gold and measures approximately 50mm in length. The edges of the case have been artfully embossed in a foliate motif pattern, while the engine-turned case back is exquisite. The case bears a London hallmark inside, with a letter date of 1827, and is stamped with the number 18. The bow and crown are beautifully detailed with a floral motif and hallmark. The dial of the watch is in fantastic condition and is crafted from solid 18K gold. The Roman numerals are a charming champagne colour, and the watch retains its original spade hands. The winding aperture can be found at the 1 o’clock position. The timepiece’s fusee movement is numbered and signed with “John Pace Bury” and is hand-engraved. The mechanism boasts a diamond-set escapement and runs exceptionally well with remarkable accuracy. In total, the timepiece weighs 69 grams and comes with a generic box and a valuation/watch report. This antique timepiece is a rare find and is an excellent investment for collectors or those who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance. Creator: John Pace Case Material: 18k Gold Weight: 69 g Case Shape: Round Movement: Manual Wind Case Dimensions: Width: 50 mm (1.97 in) Style: George III Place of Origin: United Kingdom Period: 1820-1829 Date of Manufacture: 1827 Condition: Excellent

Historical context

Precision & Scientific Horology (1750 – 1850)

Harrison solves longitude; Mudge invents the lever; Breguet's Paris workshop defines the modern watch.

From 1750 to 1850 the watch became a precision instrument. Mudge's lever escapement, the cylinder escapement, Lépine's thin bar calibre, Breguet's innovations (overcoil, tourbillon, perpétuelle) and the pocket chronometer of Arnold and Earnshaw all date from this period, while verge watches remained common in cheaper production.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Early Modern 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 escapementIdentification Centre

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