Robert Roskell Pocket Watches

Watch collectors and enthusiasts around the world consider Robert Roskell pocket watches the "holy grail" of watch collecting. Furthermore, most collectors also recognize the name of Robert Roskell as one of the greatest watchmakers of the early 1800's.

Pocket Watches

Robert Roskell is a very famous pocket watch maker who started creating these masterpieces in Liverpool, England in 1798. Eventually, he moved to London to continue on in his watch making career with the firm which, in 1843, was renamed Hunt & Roskell with Robert Roskell as the new partner. This company produced some of the finest watches and jewelry during its time in operation. The company was purchased in 1889 by J.W. Bensen, but he kept the company name, probably because the name Roskell was already established and well respected.

The "golden years" of Robert Roskell's pocket watch making was obviously from 1798 through about 1840, when he completed most of his work and became known for his superior craftsmanship and skill. After 1843, Robert's time was consumed with his work as partner with the new company. However, watch enthusiasts across the world seek out the beautiful sterling silver or gold cased designer pocket watches with the signature "rack and lever" movement that Robert Roskell was famous for. Seeing the movement signed with "Robert Roskell" can send shivers of excitement up the spine of any collector, in particular if the piece is of exceptional and working quality. The amazing thing about these timepieces that are aged well over 100 years old is that they were created by men who were essentially artists, without the aid of machinery or electricity.

You may find Robert Roskell watches at some antique dealers' shops or at auctions and estate sales. However a mint or excellent condition Robert Roskell pocket watch is typically very hard to come by. It is especially difficult to find one in running order, which is why an operating Robert Roskell pocket watch is usually worth upwards of five to ten times what a non-running watch will sell for.

• Bonhams lists several Robert Roskell watches, such as an 18ct gold watch dated 1809 for 280 pounds.

• Ashland Investment lists an 1830 rare chronometer fusee open face watch with a porcelain dial valued at $4,050.

• Proxibid proves that some steals are still possible, with an 18k gold Robert Roskell rail road pocket watch sold for just $35, although there are surface scratches and some damage and flaws.

• William Bunch Auctions lists an 18k gold open face watch, in running condition and with a gold dial, valued at $300 to $400.

• Jones-Horan sold an 1815 Robert Roskell pocket watch with a gold dial, but "custom fitted" by the previous owner onto a footed brass case and with a broken hinge. With all of these problems, this watch still sold for $120.

As you can see from the listings above, Robert Roskell watches run the entire gamut, from mint condition, gold dial, working condition watches worth thousands of dollars to Roskell watches with broken hinges or movements valued from $30 to $200. As with most highly collectible categories of antiques where there is such a variety of manufacture dates and condition to take into account when you choose a watch to buy, only the most knowledgeable collectors are able to come up with an accurate estimate regarding value. Regardless of what these watches sell for, you can easily enjoy them for their stunning beauty and artistic value. Above all, Robert Roskell pocket watches represent a time in European history when pocket watches signified the status of a person within a community. For additional information about types of watches, read the following LoveToKnow articles:

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