Johann Pfister Yellow Gold Openface Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1866
This openface pocket watch is attributed by the source to Johann Pfister and assigned a circa date of 1866. Housed in a yellow gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter, the watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, blued accents on the hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
According to auction cataloguing, it contains a key-wound movement for time-only display. The condition notes state that the case back features an engraving of the farewell of Swiss hero Arnold von Winkelried.
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
- Dial
- White enamel
- Type
- Open-face pocket watch
- Movement
- Key-wound
- Functions
- Time only
- Circa Date
- 1866
- Case Diameter
- 44 mm
- Case Material
- Yellow gold
- Maker / attribution
- Johann Pfister
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial featuring black Roman hour markers and an outer minute track. • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic numerals. • Prominent network of hairline cracks radiating across the upper and central portions of the dial. • Yellow-toned case with an integral pendant and circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock.
- Identity and Attributed Dating
- This openface pocket watch is catalogued by Christie's under the title "JOHANN PFISTER, YELLOW GOLD OPENFACE POCKET WATCH" and assigned a date of "CIRCA: 1866". Housed in a yellow gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter, the piece is catalogued as providing "Time only" functions. The cataloguer notes internal markings within the case, recording "Engravings and numbers to the inside cover." Specific hallmarks, serial digits, and maker inscriptions for the interior case or movement are not transcribed in the source text.
- Dial Presentation and Condition
- Visual observation shows a white enamel dial with black Roman hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic numerals. The yellow-toned case includes an integral pendant and circular bow positioned at 12 o'clock. The auction condition report lists the dial as "Original. Slightly dirty and with hairline cracks starting all between 12 and 1 o'clock." In direct observation, a prominent network of hairline cracks is visible radiating across the upper and central portions of the dial.
- Case Engraving and Movement Details
- The auction condition report notes a "very slightly rubbed engraving to the case back, showing the farewell of Winkelried (swiss national hero)." Because the provided photograph depicts only the dial side, this engraved scene is not directly visible in the supplied imagery. The mechanism is catalogued as "Key-wound". The condition report adds that "The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time." Technical details such as caliber type, jewel count, and escapement architecture are not stated in the source.
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: Engraving on the case back and internal movement components are not shown in the provided photograph.
- Research required: Auction report notes that the dial has hairline cracks starting between 12 and 1 o'clock and requires service.