Charles Frodsham 18K Gold Pocket Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1865-1866
Maker / issuer
Charles FrodshamThis 18K gold pocket chronometer, bearing the serial number 03210, was produced by Charles Frodsham of 84, Strand, London. The case is hallmarked for 1865-1866.
It features a three-body "bassine et filets" design with engine-turned decorations and a reeded band. The movement is an 18-ligne, frosted and gilt three-quarter plate construction, incorporating a fusee with chain and maintaining power, a spring footed-detent, and an Earnshaw's chronometer escapement. The timepiece includes a free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold adjustment screws and a blued steel helical balance spring.
The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, and a power-reserve indication. The cuvette bears a dedication to Captain William Watts for seamanship displayed in January 1875. The total diameter is 48.5 mm, and the timepiece is signed on both the dial and the movement.
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
- Case
- Three-body, bassine et filets
- Type
- Pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Charles Frodsham, 84, Strand, London
- Diameter
- 48.5 mm
- Hallmarks
- London hallmarks for 1865-1866
- Inscription
- Dedication to Captain William Watts
- Serial Number
- 03210
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Charles Frodsham
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds and power reserve indicator • Blued steel pear-shaped hands • Reeded decorative band on the case edge • Engine-turned pattern on the case back
- Dial and Condition
- The white enamel dial features black radial Roman numerals for the hours, complemented by an outer minute track. Additional complications include a subsidiary seconds dial and a power-reserve indicator, which occupies a prominent position on the dial. The time is indicated by blued steel pear hands. The auction description notes the condition of the object, assigning it a general grade of AA.
- Case and Inscription
- The timepiece is housed in a three-body "bassine et filets" case, which features an engine-turned exterior finish with polished borders and a reeded band. The case mastermark is identified as TH. It holds a fixed gold cuvette, which serves as a canvas for a dedicated engraving. The engraving commemorates the service of Captain William Watts of the steamer Lady Wodehouse. It states the watch was a presentation from the vessel's underwriters in recognition of his seamanship displayed on the 24th and 25th of January 1875.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is an 18-ligne, frosted and gilt three-quarter plate design. It utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism equipped with maintaining power. The chronometer utilizes an Earnshaw's escapement, specifically a spring footed-detent type. Further technical components include a free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance, which utilizes gold meantime and temperature adjustment screws. A blued steel helical balance spring provides regulation, while the movement is further accented by a diamond endstone and jewels set in screwed chatons.
Identification
- Serial number
- 03210
- 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: Nature of the specific 1875 seamanship act by Captain Watts remains unrecorded
- Research required: Auction description recommends an overhaul for the movement