M. J. Tobias Liverpool 18K Gold Key Wind Open Face Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid-1800s
This antique open face pocket watch dates to the mid-19th century and features Swiss manufacture produced for export under the commercial attribution of M. J. Tobias Liverpool.
Encased in 18k yellow gold measuring 45.4 mm in diameter, the piece includes an ornately engraved case body and coin edge rim. Its gold dial displays an engraved lakeside scene depicting architecture and hills, framed by applied gold Roman numerals and dot minute markers. Time is indicated by blued steel hands with subsidiary seconds situated at 6 o'clock beneath a dimpled crystal.
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 key wind pocket watch
- Origin
- Swiss movement and case made for export
- Case diameter
- 45.4 mm
- Case material
- 18K yellow gold
- Case thickness
- 11.8 mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial description
- Gold dial engraved with two buildings beside a lake
- Dust cover marking
- 1810 K18 M. J. Tobias Liverpool Hands Detached Lever Full Jewelled
- Maker / attribution
- M. J. Tobias (attributed export name; Swiss manufacture)
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved central dial vignette depicts buildings, a bridge, and water against mountains. • Radial fluting surrounds the chapter ring beneath applied Roman numerals. • Watch key is positioned horizontally below the watch bow and case in the stand.
- Case Construction
- The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold case measuring 45.4 mm in diameter and 11.8 mm in thickness. The exterior features engraving on the back and sides, alongside a coin-edge rim. Internal markings on the dust cover include: "1810 K18 M. J. Tobias Liverpool Hands Detached Lever Full Jewelled."
- Identity and Provenance
- This timepiece is an antique, key-wind open-face pocket watch described as dating from the mid-1800s. While the dust cover bears the inscription "M. J. Tobias Liverpool," it is identified as a Swiss-manufactured watch produced for export, with the "Tobias" name utilized as a marketing designation. The watch is listed with the stock reference WA-4045 and includes a winding key.
- Dial and Visual Features
- The gold dial features an engraved vignette depicting two buildings beside a lake. The time is displayed via applied gold Roman numerals and dot minute markers, with blued steel hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock, and the assembly is fronted by a dimpled crystal.
Identification
- Reference
- WA-4045
- 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 source notes the M. J. Tobias Liverpool name was used as a Swiss trade export marketing designation rather than indicating English manufacture.
- Research required: Internal movement bridges and train are not displayed in the provided images.