Empire Open-Face Pocket Watch with Seikosha Movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1900-1949
This open-face pocket watch features a white dial branded Empire, black Arabic numerals, blued-steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position.
The manual-winding mechanical movement is signed Seikosha, the historic manufacturing firm established by Kintaro Hattori. The chromed metal case measures approximately 44.6 mm in diameter and bears an inner case cover marked 'ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM'. Accompanied by an Albert-style chain of unconfirmed origin, the timepiece dates to the first half of the twentieth century.
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
- Open-face pocket watch
- Brand
- EMPIRE
- Case Diameter
- approx. 44.6 mm
- Case Material
- Chromed metal
- Movement Type
- Manual-winding mechanical
- Place recorded
- Japan
- Inner Case Marking
- ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM
- Maker / attribution
- Empire
- Movement Manufacturer
- SEIKOSHA
Design
- Visible features
- • White dial with black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. • Blued-steel hands including a distinctive open circular motif on the hour hand. • Chromed metal case showing edge wear, scratches, and an attached silver-tone Albert-style chain.
- Object Identity and Origin
- This open-face pocket watch bears multiple distinct trade markings. While the white dial is branded EMPIRE, the internal mechanical movement is signed SEIKOSHA, the historic company founded by Kintaro Hattori that later developed into the Seiko group. The inner case cover carries a separate marking stamped "ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM". The listing text notes that this marking relates to the case rather than the movement manufacturer.
- Case and Dial Configuration
- The watch is housed in an open-face chromed metal case measuring approximately 44.6 mm in diameter, with a total length of approximately 49.3 mm including the crown and 53.1 mm including the crown and ring. Total weight is reported as approximately 52 g. Visible age-related wear on the case includes light scratches, surface marks, and areas of minor pitting. The white dial features black Arabic numerals, blued-steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Visual observation notes an open circular motif on the hour hand. Light age-related discoloration, spotting, and patina are present across the dial, particularly around the lower portion, while the crystal exhibits light surface scratches.
- Movement Construction and Source Limitations
- The manual-winding mechanical movement presents visible jewelled pivot settings, a gear train, a balance assembly, and decorative striping across the bridges. Operation was reported as running based on a spot check while resting dial-up after a full wind, though long-term performance and accuracy are not guaranteed. No original box or papers are included, and no serial records are provided in the source. The watch is accompanied by a silver-tone Albert-style chain with a spring-ring fob clasp; however, its age and whether it was originally supplied with the watch cannot be confirmed.
Identification
- 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: Originality and age of the attached Albert-style chain cannot be confirmed.
- Research required: The inner case is marked 'ROYAL CASE / WALTHAM', while the movement is signed 'SEIKOSHA' and dial marked 'EMPIRE'.