Gold Pocket Watch on Chain

Fancy case, but I couldn't figure out how to open the back to see the works, and I didn't want to wreck it, LOL! Link on chain reads NZ 375 (I think cuz it was verrry tiny!). Colour isn't quite right in some of the photos.

 

When looking at the back with the crown up, there is a tab at 1:30. It just snaps open. Hinged at the bottom. The value is most likely the metal weight.

 

Thanks, Terry. Saw the tab, but seems it wouldn't just "snap open" as I assumed -- must be stuck somehow. Well, there'd be few dollars in it with the gold...

 

It's just tight. You can carefully try to insert a knife edge in there. Scratching the metal won't change its weight. Cutting your fingers may cause discomfort.

 

LOL! I think I'll let my friend try to open it -- I don't want the responsibility!

 

Did I just see a white rabbit?

 

Yes he ran by here too but he was in such a HURRY, he must have been running late....

 

The trick with opening cases like that is to insert a finger nail and slide it round the edge of the case a bit, the sideways movement levers the case open much more effectively then simply pulling on the tab will.

I'm currently in the country, in mid Wales, with a sclerotic internet connection, so if you can wait I'll comment at more length when I get home on Wednesday, which I think may be tomorrow, I lose track of the centuries round here, never mind the days.

 

I can't thank you enough, AF, for all your help with these clocks. When I'm next at my friend's place, we will search for marks more thoroughly. And we'll try to get the rear case lid open.
This is for AF:

 

Wendy, what does it say on the ring that is attached to the watch itself?

 

The 375 on the chain is almost certainly for 9 carat. The watch case is easily dated from the London 18ct hallmark.

 

Messi -- don't have it in hand, so will query my friend while I ask her to carefully try to open the back. It seems the English use 9 ct gold a lot for bracelets and necklaces -- over here, more 10 or 14 ct. Nice that the necklace is gold. Thanks!

 

Is the dial cobalt colored,or is that just the flash ?

 

IIRC, Johnny, it is blue. I'm hoping to hear today that my friend has had success with opening the back case.

 

My friend got the case open -- here's her reply:
Got the watch open and can see the inner workings. There is a 1882 date and what I expect are the maker's marks. I can't describe the marks. The number 5 appears before 1882.

She'll try and take a pic for me to post, but if it doesn't work, I'll get a pic when I see her next (for the 3 bags of costume jewelery!).

 

If she presses the button on the top of the stem (the bit that holds the bow or suspension ring) the front should flip open. This will show the dial. Blue numbers are standard on half hunter cases, for some unknown reason. The case is not the dial. The numbers on the dial are probably gold and raised 'cut out' numbers.

 

I'll get more pix, but it may be a while before I get over to her place. Interesting detail about the blue #s, AF. Ta very much!

 

So my friend took this watch to a sort of Antiques Roadshow type appraisal day that was put on as a fund-raiser. Here what the appraiser said:
I took the gold pocket watch to the ... this aft. The Mad Picker was over from Vancouver with his crew. They really, really, really liked the watch. Offered 1200 (the chain would be another 300). While I'm thinking of selling, I wasn't quite ready to part with it. All they told me was what you had already told me 18 karat...nothing about maker or age...The Mad Picker gave me his card, email address etc. and said they'd be coming back. They held up the line looking at the watch and kept saying how exquisite it was.

Wondering what opinions might be if $1200 CDN and $300 for the watch and chain respectively is in the ball park. If she sold it at auction, she'd have to pay a seller's premium, so this might be in the ball park? I'm wondering a bit, as the "Mad Picker" would be buying for resale obviously.

 

The date of the watch is 1869. The other number is a case serial number. On a second look it is a Sheffield hallmark.
Unless there is something remarkable about the movement, that offer is in my opinion quite generous. Similar watches must be a lot rarer where she is than round here.