Joseph Johnson English Fusee Pair Case Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1802
This antique English pair-case pocket watch is catalogued under maker Joseph Johnson and dated circa 1802. Measuring 51 mm in diameter, the timepiece features a gold outer case decorated with a floral motif and houses a key-wound movement described by Christie's as an English fusee.
The multi-colored gold dial features engine-turned and chased relief work, applied Roman numerals, central hour and minute hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. Accompaniments reported by the auction house include a winding key and three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris set inside the outer case.
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
- Multi-colored gold dial
- Type
- Fusee pair case pocket watch
- Movement
- Key-wind
- Circa Date
- 1802
- Accessories
- Three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris, key
- Case Diameter
- 51mm
- Case Material
- Gold outer with floral motif
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Joseph Johnson
Design
- Visible features
- • Multi-colored gold dial with engine-turned ground and applied floral chased decoration in yellow, rose, and white/green tones. • Applied Roman numeral hour markers and a subsidiary seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock with a dark blued-steel hand. • Circular bow attached to a chased floral pendant above the 12 o'clock position. • Visible hinge and lip of the circular case enclosing the crystal and dial.
- Identity and Attribution
- Christie's catalogued this pocket watch under the title "JOSEPH JOHNSON, ENGLISH FUSEE PAIR CASE POCKET WATCH" with a stated circa date of 1802. Because the movement is not illustrated in the available lot photo, the maker attribution to Joseph Johnson and the fusee pair-case designation rely on the auction house description. According to the condition report, the inside case back bears watchmaker's marks along with lightly rubbed hallmarks. Specific assay marks, maker's punches, and date letters are not detailed in the source text.
- Case Construction and Physical Condition
- The case diameter is recorded as 51 mm, with the case material specified as a gold outer case decorated with a floral motif. Visible observations of the front assembly show a circular bow mounted to a chased floral pendant above the 12 o'clock position, along with the hinge and lip of the circular case enclosing the crystal and dial. The auction condition report notes wear commensurate with age, specifically observing that the outer case displays signs of wear, the watch case has dents on the 3 o'clock side with light scratches throughout, and the crystal shows light signs of wear. Catalogued accessories comprise a key and three sets of service papers from J.A.S Harris set in the inside of the outer case.
- Dial Presentation and Movement Reporting
- The dial is listed in the catalogue as a multi-colored gold dial. Visual inspection confirms an engine-turned ground embellished with applied floral chased decoration rendered in yellow, rose, and white/green tones, with applied Roman numerals marking the hours and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock fitted with a dark blued-steel hand. Christie's categorizes the movement type as key-wind. The condition report states that the movement was in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch, but notes that it had not been tested for accuracy.
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: The internal movement is not depicted in the image; fusee mechanism, maker signature, and hallmarks are source-reported.
- Research required: The outer case back, inner case construction, and accompanying service papers are not visible in the provided photograph.