Barwise Gilt Metal Duplex Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 19th century
This English pocket watch, attributed to the early 19th century, was produced by the London-based watchmaker Barwise. It is constructed with a full-plate brass movement featuring a fusee and chain power transmission system and a duplex escapement.
The watch is housed in a gilt-metal 'consular' case, which features a bezel and back cover sharing a common hinge. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals for the hours and includes a subsidiary seconds dial with a blued-steel hand. Technical specifications of the movement include a four-armed gold balance wheel with a blued-steel spiral balance spring, a polished steel regulator, and a diamond endstone on the balance cock.
The movement is inscribed with the maker's name, the origin 'London', and the serial number 4379, which corresponds to the number appearing on the dial.
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
- Type
- Duplex escapement pocket watch
- Maker
- Barwise
- Case Type
- Consular
- Escapement
- Duplex
- Movement Type
- Full plate
- Serial Number
- 4379
- Place recorded
- England
- Case Maker Mark
- AG / JM
- Balance Cock Jewel
- Diamond endstone
- Maker / attribution
- Barwise
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is enclosed in a gilt-metal consular case. This design is characterized by the bezel and the back cover being mounted on a common hinge. The exterior surfaces are polished. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays Roman numerals for the hour markers. It includes a separate subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the bottom, which is equipped with a blued-steel hand. The main hour and minute hands are finished in gold. The dial carries the serial number 4379 near the center.
- Visible features
- • Case back and bezel share a single common hinge mechanism • Dial and movement both bear the matching serial number 4379 • Balance cock fitted with a diamond endstone • Movement features a polished steel regulator scale labeled 'FAST' and 'SLOW'
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a full-plate brass calibre with a gold finish, designed for key-winding. Power is delivered to the train via a fusee and chain mechanism. The regulating assembly includes a polished steel regulator and a four-armed gold balance wheel paired with a blued-steel spiral balance spring. The escapement is a duplex type, utilizing a large brass escape wheel. The balance cock is fitted with a diamond endstone, and the pivots are also jeweled.
- Signatures and Identification
- The movement is signed with the maker's name, 'Barwise', and the location 'London'. The serial number 4379 is engraved directly onto the top plate of the movement. This serial number is also present on the dial, indicating that these components are matched. The case bears a maker's mark consisting of the letters 'AG' positioned above 'JM', which serves as an identification for the case manufacturer.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4379
- 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 current operational condition of the fusee chain and duplex escapement is not verified
- Research required: Absence of hairline cracks on the enamel dial is not confirmed by the source