Adams & Son 18k Gold Key-Winding Chronometer Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1852
This 18k yellow gold hunting case pocket watch by Adams & Son of London, dating to 1852, is a key-winding chronometer. It measures 54 mm in diameter and weighs 147 grams.
The white enamel dial features a 24-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock, and blue steel spade hands. The movement is a 13-jewel, 3/4 plate, gilded brass caliber featuring a fusee and chain mechanism. Technical attributes include a detent escapement, gold screwed chatons for the jewels, and a cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws. The watch is also fitted with a Breguet hairspring with terminal curves and a diamond end-stone.
The auction description notes that the movement is in very good condition with a recommendation for an overhaul, while the case shows slight signs of scratching.
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.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1852
- Type
- Key-winding hunting case chronometer
- Maker
- Adams & Son
- Weight
- 147 gr
- Diameter
- 54 mm
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Case Number
- 257
- Movement Type
- 3/4 plate, gilded brass, fusee and chain
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement Number
- 78257
- Maker / attribution
- F.B. Adams & Sons
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18k yellow gold hunting case measuring 54 mm in diameter. It has a total weight of 147 grams. The auction description reports the case is in very good condition, noting that it is slightly scratched. The white enamel dial features black Roman numerals for the hours. It includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position and a power reserve indication calibrated for 24 hours positioned at 12 o'clock. The dial is equipped with blue steel spade-style hands.
- Visible features
- • 24-hour power reserve indicator located on the dial at 12 o'clock • Gilded 3/4 plate movement with fusee and chain visible • Gold screwed-chatons present on the movement plate • Blued steel spade hands
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 13-jewel, 3/4 plate, gilded brass caliber featuring a fusee and chain power delivery system. It is designed as a chronometer with a detent escapement. The construction incorporates gold screwed-chatons for the jewel settings. The balance assembly consists of a cut bimetallic compensated balance fitted with gold poising screws. It is controlled by a Breguet hairspring with terminal curves and includes a diamond end-stone.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The watch is signed on the dial and the movement. The movement is engraved with the name F.B. Adams & Sons, London, along with the movement serial number 78257. The movement also bears the inscription 'Deuvs' and mentions Geo Moore of St John's Square, London. The watch is dated by its London hallmarks to 1852. The case is also numbered 257.
Identification
- Serial number
- 78257
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description advises an overhaul is recommended at the buyer's expense
- Research required: The watch case is described as having slight scratches