Global Gemology - Rare Gems & Jewels
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POCKET WATCH MOVEMENT FINISHES

Picture

The inner movement of pocket watches can have varying levels of embellishment.  Some movement plates are rather plain while others are fully embellished with decorative patterns.

Scroll below to view different examples of pocket watch movement finishes.

Nickel Finish

Nickel damaskeen pocket watch movement finish

​Nickel movements are silver-tone, often polished and sometimes embellished with decorative damaskeen patterns.

Nickel is a more durable material than the brass movements that preceded it, especially for decorative finishes.

Gilt Finish

Gilt pocket watch movement, by Elgin

​Gilt pocket watch movements are gold in color, due to a gilded finish over brass movement plates.

They were then engraved, usually without color inlay.


Gilt movements were very common before 1900, when nickel movements began to gain popularity.

Two-Tone


Two-tone movement finishes were usually reserved for more expensive pieces, due to the additional time and workmanship required.

Nickel movements had sections that were gilt, and then embellished with damaskeened details across both silver-tone and gold-tone areas.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SHOP
  • SERVICES
    • APPRAISALS
    • EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
    • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY