This is one of the most beautiful pocket watches I have ever seen!
This is a magnificent looking M. J. Tobias pocket watch. M. I. Tobias was a well known watchmaker who made fusees in the early 1800's. By the mid 1800's he either started putting Swiss ebauche movements into incredibly ornate cases with fancy dials or else a Swiss company began marketing watches witha variation of his name [note that the name on this watch is M. J. Tobias instead of M. I. Tobias].
This particular watch dates to the mid to late 1800's, as evidenced by the straight barrel bridge on the Swiss ebauche movement. It is key wind and key set, and has a cylinder escapement. The dust cover is marked "4 holes jewelled", which means the movement might have as many as 8 jewels in total. The case measures approximately 45mm in diameter and, although not hallmarked, is solid 18-karat gold. The gilt dial has a wonderful engraving of a village scene, as does the back of the case.
Back to My Pocket Watch Page
Return to Barry's Home Page