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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Alarm watch

Alarm watch by Baptiste Le Noir

Partially verified

This alarm watch is an example of eighteenth-century French horology, attributed to the maker Baptiste Le Noir, who was active as a master between 1764 and 1789. The piece is dated to circa 1760. Held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art as accession number 17.190.1589, the watch is constructed from gilt metal and enamel components. Its diameter measures approximately 2 1/4 inches, or 5.7 centimeters. The object entered the museum collection in 1917 as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan. The exterior of the case is decorated with intricate pierced metalwork, featuring a central floral bouquet arrangement housed in a vase, surrounded by scrolling foliage and ornate border patterns. As a specialized timekeeper, it functions as an alarm watch, integrating mechanical timing with an acoustic signaling mechanism housed within its metallic case.

External view of the pierced gilt metal case of the alarm watch, showing the floral design.
External view of the pierced gilt metal case of the alarm watch, showing the floral design. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Alarm watch
Maker / attribution
Baptiste Le Noir
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1589
Source-reported date
ca. 1760
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Design

The exterior surface visible in the photograph is defined by detailed, high-relief pierced metalwork. The decorative scheme centers on a vase containing a floral bouquet, which is surrounded by elaborate, scrolling foliate patterns. This arrangement is set against a consistent, finely worked background, extending to the outer edges of the case which feature a beaded or rope-like border pattern.

The overall diameter of the object is recorded at 5.7 centimeters. A single circular suspension ring is mounted at the top, facilitating carriage. The material composition is noted by the museum as gilt metal and enamel, though the photographic evidence focuses on the exterior metal shell, which displays the structural intricacy of the alarm watch casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt metal, enamel”
  • “Diameter: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)”

Attribution and History

The object is attributed to the French watchmaker Baptiste Le Noir, who attained his master status between 1764 and 1789. The watch is dated by the museum to approximately 1760. This piece is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, catalogued under the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.

The acquisition history traces back to 1917, when it was donated to the museum by J. Pierpont Morgan. The record serves as a museum document, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art providing the primary identification and classification for the item. The documentation provided establishes the object as an alarm watch, reflecting the mechanical complexity requested of specialized timekeepers during this period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Alarm watch made by Baptiste Le Noir (French, master 1764–89)”
  • “dated ca. 1760”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917.”

Documentation and Records

The information presented here is derived from the official entry in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection records. It is catalogued under the reference number 17.190.1589. The museum distinguishes the object specifically as an alarm watch, categorizing it within the broader field of horology.

While the record confirms the museum's identification of the watch, the documentation acknowledges that the details regarding wider horological context, such as the specific verification of movement components or serial numbering, remain subjects for further research. The museum records provide the foundational data regarding the item's identity, material composition, and provenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1589.”
  • “These details come from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's own record of this object”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement configuration for this alarm watch?
  • Are there hallmarking details visible on the interior of the case to confirm the attribution to Baptiste Le Noir?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Alarm watch by Baptiste Le Noir
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBaptiste Le Noir“Alarm watch made by Baptiste Le Noir”
Dateca. 1760“dated ca. 1760”
MaterialsGilt metal, enamel“Gilt metal, enamel”
Diameter5.7 cm“Diameter: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)”
Museum ID17.190.1589“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1589.”
Credit LineGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917.”

Visible details

  • The case back is heavily decorated with pierced foliate and floral motifs.
  • A circular suspension ring is attached to the top of the case.
  • The metallic case appears to have a gilt finish.
  • Floral designs are organized around a central vase pattern.

Research qualifications

  • The maker attribution to Baptiste Le Noir relies on museum records and may require further horological validation.
  • The internal state of the movement and the presence of original hands or dial components remain unverified in the provided documentation.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Alarm watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record be6c54f696

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.