Just & Son Chinese Market Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This large center seconds pocket watch, numbered 2933, was produced by Just & Son of London, specifically for the Chinese market around 1870. The timepiece is housed in a three-body 'Empire' style gilt case, featuring a spring-loaded back decorated with a painted enamel scene depicting Rinaldo and Armida.
The bezel, pendant, and bow are set with pearls. The watch includes a white convex enamel dial with narrow radial Roman numerals and outer minute and seconds divisions, paired with ovoid gold hands. Internally, the 47 mm movement is gilt and entirely engraved with foliate scrolls in a specific Chinese caliber style. It is constructed with a free-standing barrel, a duplex escapement, a polished steel three-arm balance, a flat balance spring, an index regulator, and a diamond endstone.
A gilt cuvette is fixed to the movement ring. The case features faux English hallmarks.
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
- Date
- circa 1870
- Type
- Center seconds pocket watch
- Maker
- Just & Son
- Market
- Chinese
- Case Type
- Empire, three-body
- Escapement
- Duplex
- Serial Number
- 2933
- Case Hallmarks
- Faux English
- Place recorded
- London (attributed)
- Maker / attribution
- Just & Son
- Movement Decoration
- Foliate scrolls
Design
- Visible features
- • Back of the case features a painted enamel scene of Rinaldo and Armida. • Bezel, pendant, and bow are adorned with a border of small pearls. • Dial is white enamel with convex curvature and narrow radial Roman numerals. • Movement is decorated with extensive foliate scroll engraving.
- Movement and Caliber
- The movement measures 47 mm and follows a specific Chinese caliber design. The plates and bridges are gilt and feature complete coverage of foliate scroll engraving. The technical specifications include a free-standing barrel and a duplex escapement. The regulation is managed via an index regulator, and the balance assembly consists of a polished steel three-arm balance, a flat balance spring, and a diamond endstone. The watch is signed on the movement. While the case carries hallmarks, the auction description specifies that these are faux English hallmarks rather than genuine assay marks.
- Case and Exterior Details
- The watch is presented in a three-body 'Empire' style case with a diameter of 58 mm. The exterior components, specifically the bezels, the pendant, and the bow, are decorated with inset pearls, a design characteristic associated with watches produced for the Chinese market during this era. The dial is composed of convex white enamel. It is marked with narrow radial Roman numerals and includes outer divisions for minutes and seconds. Time is indicated by gold ovoid hands. Internally, the movement is protected by a gilt cuvette, which is fixed to the movement ring.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description provides a grading for the watch components, categorizing the case, movement, and dial under an 'A' grade system. Additionally, the dial is reported to have sustained a chip. The object is attributed to the London-based firm Just & Son and dated to approximately 1870. The construction and aesthetic choices, such as the specific caliber and the decorative enamel work, are attributed to the manufacturing practices for the Chinese market.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2933
- 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 auction description notes faux English hallmarks on the case.
- Research required: Condition report indicates a chip on the dial and suggests an overhaul at the buyer's expense.