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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Cruciform watch

Anthoine Arlaud Cruciform Watch

Partially verified

This cruciform watch is attributed to the maker Anthoine Arlaud and is dated to the period circa 1620–30. The object is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its construction features a case made of rock crystal accented with gilded silver mounts. The dial is composed of silver, which is finished with partial gilding. Internally, the movement is constructed from gilded brass and steel. The watch measures approximately 1 7/8 by 1 1/4 inches (4.8 by 3.2 cm) overall. The design follows a cross shape, with the circular chapter ring containing Roman numerals set within the central vertical and horizontal arms of the cross frame. Detailed engraved iconography adorns the metal surfaces surrounding the dial, including a representation of a figure. The watch is held in the museum collection under the accession number 17.190.1610, having been a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917.

Front view of the cruciform watch showing the engraved silver dial plate and Roman numeral chapter ring.
Front view of the cruciform watch showing the engraved silver dial plate and Roman numeral chapter ring. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Cruciform watch
Maker / attribution
Anthoine Arlaud
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1610
Source-reported date
ca. 1620–30
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Materials

The watch is manufactured with a cross-shaped orientation, utilizing a combination of transparent and metallic components. The case body is fashioned from rock crystal, which provides a transparent housing for the internal mechanism, framed by gilded silver mounts that follow the outline of the cross.

The dial is made from silver, finished with partial gilding to provide contrast against the surrounding metalwork. Internally, the movement is built using a combination of gilded brass and steel components. These materials represent the structural build as documented by the museum's technical records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: rock crystal, with gilded silver mounts”
  • “Dial: silver, partly gilded”
  • “Movement: gilded brass and steel”

Attribution and History

The object is recorded in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is attributed to the maker Anthoine Arlaud. The museum dates the creation of the piece to the period circa 1620–30.

The object entered the museum's permanent collection in 1917. It was acquired as part of the Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan and is catalogued under the object number 17.190.1610.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch, Anthoine Arlaud, ca. 1620–30”
  • “Museum object number 17.190.1610”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Design and Appearance

Visually, the watch adheres to the cruciform shape, with a central circular silver chapter ring displaying Roman numerals. The metal plate surrounding the dial is heavily engraved with detailed figurative scenes, including a depiction of a figure on the bottom section and avian motifs on the top section.

The overall dimensions of the watch are recorded as 1 7/8 by 1 1/4 inches (4.8 by 3.2 cm). The assembly includes a suspension point at the top of the cross, allowing for it to be worn or displayed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overall: 1 7/8 × 1 1/4 in. (4.8 × 3.2 cm)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement type utilized within this cruciform case?
  • Are there known comparable pieces by Anthoine Arlaud that confirm his role as the maker?
  • What is the intended purpose of the engraving depicted on the lower section of the dial plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anthoine Arlaud Cruciform Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAnthoine Arlaud“maker recorded: Anthoine Arlaud”
Accession Number17.190.1610“Museum object number 17.190.1610”
Case MaterialRock crystal and gilded silver“Case: rock crystal, with gilded silver mounts”
Dial MaterialSilver“Dial: silver, partly gilded”
Movement MaterialGilded brass and steel“Movement: gilded brass and steel”
Dimensions1 7/8 x 1 1/4 inches“Overall: 1 7/8 × 1 1/4 in. (4.8 × 3.2 cm)”
CreditGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Visible details

  • Cross-shaped case configuration with hinged suspension loop
  • Engraved religious figure on the lower arm of the dial plate
  • Gilded metal chapter ring featuring black-filled Roman numerals
  • Rock crystal body visible between the gilded silver frame edges

Research qualifications

  • The origin of the watch is not explicitly stated in the source
  • The specific functional condition of the internal movement is not reported
  • The exact metallurgical composition of the gilded parts remains unverified

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

Consulted source

Watch, Anthoine Arlaud, ca. 1620–30

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 72bd194a8c

Terms in this record

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