Pocket Watch - Switzerland, 19th Century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th Century
This gents pocket watch is an open-faced piece attributed to Swiss manufacture during the second half of the 19th century. The watch was retailed by the Liverpool-based firm Thomas Russell & Son, who were active between 1848 and 1902.
It features an enamel dial with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The watch utilizes a stem and button winding mechanism coupled with a lever escapement. The movement is engraved with the serial number 49851, the count of 10 jewels, and the designation 'Swiss Made'. The back case contains the internal engraving 'Electro Gilt Case' along with the number 0619170. Acquired by the museum in 1982, The watch retains its original physical dimensions, measuring approximately 5 cm in diameter.
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
- Gents open-face pocket watch
- Maker/Retailer
- Thomas Russell & Son
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case composition
- Electro Gilt
- Dial inscription
- Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool, Tempus Fugit, Swiss Made
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Movement markings
- 49851, 10 jewels, Swiss Made
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Russell & Son (Retailer)
- Registration number
- ST 24523
Design
- Visible features
- • Roman numeral hour markers • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position • Bow and crown winding stem • 'Tempus Fugit' inscription on the dial
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch features an open-face configuration with a diameter of 5 cm and a width of 1.7 cm. The exterior case interior is inscribed with the marking 'Electro Gilt Case', which indicates the plating process applied to the base material. The back case interior also bears the numerical identifier '0619170'. The dial is rendered in white enamel and features black Roman numerals for the hours. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position. The dial surface includes the retailer name 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool', the phrase 'Tempus Fugit', and the origin mark 'Swiss Made'.
- Provenance and Retail
- The object was sourced from Switzerland and subsequently retailed by the Liverpool-based company Thomas Russell & Son. Museum records specify that this firm operated during the period between 1848 and 1902. The watch entered the collection as a donation from R. C. Rennie on February 24, 1982.
- Movement and Functionality
- The timekeeping mechanism is driven by a lever escapement, which was a standard arrangement for watches of this type in the 19th century. Winding and setting are managed via a stem and button configuration located at the top of the case. The movement is marked with the serial number '49851' and a jewel count of '10 jewels'. One of the wheels within the assembly displays the branding for the retailer, 'Thos Russell & Son, Liverpool', alongside the standard origin mark indicating Swiss manufacture.
Identification
- Serial number
- 49851
- 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 term 'Electro Gilt Case' suggests a base metal construction rather than solid gold, contrary to the summary field description.
- Research required: The '0619170' number is located inside the back case, while '49851' is identified as the movement number.