English Fusee Open Face Pocket Watch by Albert Curtis
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1898
This open face fusee movement pocket watch features a sterling silver case crafted by Albert Curtis of Chester, hallmarked with a date code for 1898. The watch is associated with the brand of John Forrest of London, an English watchmaker noted for precision work between the 1850s and 1876, although the later date of the case suggests a potential later marriage of movement and housing.
The watch bears the inscription "Chronometer Maker to the Admiralty" on the internal plate and is numbered 76609. Measuring approximately 2 1/8 inches in diameter, the total length including the bow is 3 inches, with a weight of 146.1 grams. The dial displays a central floral engraving, Roman numerals for the hours, and a subsidiary dial for the seconds hand. The case back features elaborate engraved floral ornamentation with possible rose gold accents.
The watch is key-wound and currently lacks the hour, minute, and second hands.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 146.1g
- Material
- sterling silver, possible rose gold
- Dimensions
- 2 1/8 inch diameter, 3 inch total length
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- 76609, Chronometer Maker to the Admiralty
- Winding
- key-wound
- Movement
- fusee
Design
- Case
- ornate floral engraving
- Dial
- floral engraving, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Albert Curtis
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.