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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair-case watch

Astronomical pair-case watch

Partially verified

This astronomical pair-case watch is attributed to the Swiss watchmaker Abraham Pattey (1627–1702) and dates to approximately 1680. It is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art as accession number 17.190.1630a–c. Constructed of silver and leather, the watch features a highly complex dial layout incorporating astronomical and calendrical displays, including lunar phase indication and date apertures. The movement is contained within a pair-case, with external casing featuring intricate openwork filigree ornamentation. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired the piece in 1917 as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan. Documentation provided by the holding institution establishes the materials and dimensions, though technical specifications regarding the escapement type or specific mechanical functions remain to be detailed in this reference record.

Front view of the astronomical pair-case watch with the outer cover open, revealing the dial details.
Front view of the astronomical pair-case watch with the outer cover open, revealing the dial details. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pair-case watch
Maker / attribution
Abraham Pattey
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1630a–c
Source-reported date
ca. 1680
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Case and External Construction

The watch is housed in a pair-case configuration, which consists of an inner watch case and a secondary outer protective shell. This style of case construction provided both protection for the delicate mechanical components and an aesthetic display for the owner.

The materials used in the construction are recorded as silver and leather, with the silver elements forming the main structural and decorative components of the pair-case. The dimensions of the object are uniform at 5.1 centimeters in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver, leather”
  • “Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”

Dial and Astronomical Features

The dial of the watch is designed with a multifaceted layout, intended to display more than standard time. Prominent features include a primary dial with Roman numerals for the hour and minute indicators.

The face is decorated with engraved floral motifs consistent with the exterior casing, creating a cohesive visual design. Apertures and scales are integrated directly into the dial plate, indicating a high level of customization for the astronomical display. The placement of the hands and the configuration of the calendar indicators reflect the technological capabilities of the late 17th-century Geneva watchmaking tradition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Astronomical pair-case watch”

Movement and Identification

The movement is signed by the Swiss watchmaker Abraham Pattey, whose active years are recorded as 1627 to 1702. The signature is present on the movement plate, which also features visible gear train components and decorative bridge work.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art maintains the piece as accession 17.190.1630a–c. Identification of the watch rests upon these institutional records, which attribute the work to the Geneva region. As with many timepieces of this era, the assembly of the case and the movement may have involved different specialists, a standard practice in the historical Swiss watch trade that necessitates careful examination of the marks found on both the movement and the internal case surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Abraham Pattey (Swiss, 1627–1702)”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1630a–c.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of escapement utilized in this movement?
  • Are there secondary hallmarks on the inner case that might confirm a specific case-maker distinct from Abraham Pattey?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Astronomical pair-case watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAbraham Pattey“Watchmaker: Abraham Pattey (Swiss, 1627–1702)”
Dateca. 1680“ca. 1680”
MaterialsSilver, leather“Silver, leather”
Dimensions2 in. (5.1 cm)“Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”
Accession number17.190.1630a–c“17.190.1630a–c”
Credit lineGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
OriginGeneva, Switzerland“Swiss, Geneva”

Visible details

  • Intricate pierced silver outer case with floral motif
  • Complex dial with lunar cycle and date chapter ring
  • Movement plate engraving signature visible
  • Roman numerals on the primary time display

Research qualifications

  • The exact mechanical internal operation is not detailed in the source.
  • Maker attribution to Abraham Pattey remains subject to verification against broader horological literature.

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

Consulted source

Astronomical pair-case watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 19a2a1f33d

Terms in this record

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

Other pair-case watch records