Antique 18K French 1900s Pocket Watch

About This Watch:

This cherished pin set pocket watch from the early 1900s showcases an ovalish old cut diamond set in warm, slightly bloomed 18K gold. Its face is marked with elegant Arabic numerals and bears the distinctive French hallmark of a horse's head facing right. 

The horse's head hallmark, was used from 1838 to 1919 on imported 18K gold jewelry entering France. Pieces with this mark were assayed by a French assay office, certifying that they met the French legal standard for 18K gold.

Bloomed gold is a historic surface treatment in which an acid wash was used to bring a thin layer of pure gold to the surface, creating a soft, velvety matte finish. Most commonly seen on Victorian and Edwardian jewelry, it can also be found on some vintage pieces. This delicate finish remains highly sought after by collectors today.

 

Condition:

Carefully preserved, this watch remains in good antique condition with only a few minor scratches. Remarkably, it still keeps time, with the winding mechanism powering several hours of ticking. Some parts may have been replaced, ensuring its enduring functionality.

Details:

Materials: Tests as 18K.

Dimensions: 37.6 mm x 26.3 mm x 11.0 mm

Weight: 15.1 grams

Era: Circa 1900s to 1910s (approximate)

Old Cut Diamond:

     Diameter: 2.8 mm to 2.5 mm

     Color: J to K

     Clarity: SI (Eye Clean)

     Estimated Total Weight: 0.10 ct

 

Chain/ribbon is not included.
Please note that when evaluated with alternate methods, including XRF, vintage, antique, and pre-owned jewelry may read slightly below the stated purity due to variations in alloy composition, manufacturing tolerances, the presence of other materials, solder, bloomed surfaces, or past repairs. This piece may read anywhere from 16K to 17.9K. Hallmarks are identified through research and comparison to known examples. Stones have been graded, assessed, and measured in their settings; evaluations are limited to what the setting permits. Treatments, if present, may not always be detectable.  All details, including weights and dimensions, are approximate. Item color may vary slightly from photos due to differences in lighting and screen settings. Any stated circa dates are based on stylistic and manufacturing characteristics and should be considered approximate.