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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Bloodstone and gold watch

Partially verified

This bloodstone, gold, and enamel watch dates to the second half of the 18th century. It is identified in The Metropolitan Museum of Art collection as the work of a probable imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet. The object comprises a cylindrical casing, ornamented with gold filigree patterns, featuring a watch movement inset at one end. The dial is equipped with Roman numeral hour markers and is encircled by a stone-set bezel. The movement includes a balance bridge featuring openwork scroll decoration. The watch is currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art as accession number 17.101.20a, b, and its manufacture is associated with Paris, France. The piece is recorded to have dimensions of 5 5/8 by 1 1/8 inches.

Front view of the watch dial showing Roman numerals and a stone-set bezel.
Front view of the watch dial showing Roman numerals and a stone-set bezel. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Probably by an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.101.20a, b
Source-reported date
second half 18th century
Source-reported place
France, Paris
Source-reported serial
33

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 Dial Construction

The object is a watch contained within a cylindrical body. The exterior of the casing is constructed from bloodstone and is decorated with applied gold metalwork featuring intricate scrolling patterns. One end of this cylindrical housing accommodates the watch movement.

The dial is finished in enamel and displays Roman numerals for the hours. A metal bezel surrounding the dial is inset with a continuous border of small, faceted stones. The structure of the watch suggests a decorative, integrated design.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art records the object as 17.101.20a, b, with total dimensions measuring 5 5/8 by 1 1/8 inches (14.3 by 2.9 cm). The assembly combines stone, gold, and enamel components.

Evidence for this section
  • “The museum records its materials as: Bloodstone, gold, enamel.”
  • “Recorded dimensions: 5 5/8 × 1 1/8 in. (14.3 × 2.9 cm).”

Movement and Signature

The watch movement is visible when the housing is opened. The brass plate is engraved with the name 'Breguet' and the numerical mark '33'.

The movement assembly occupies a circular space at one end of the cylinder. Technical features such as the balance and the balance bridge are clearly articulated through the openwork design, providing a view of the internal mechanism while the case remains open.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch made by Probably by an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet (Swiss, active Paris, 1747–1823)”

Attribution and Provenance

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the piece as part of its European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection. The museum documents the watch as being manufactured by a probable imitator of the horologist Abraham-Louis Bréguet.

The record notes that this item originated in Paris, France, during the second half of the 18th century. As a museum-held object, it carries the accession number 17.101.20a, b, and was acquired as part of the Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn in 1917.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch made by Probably by an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet (Swiss, active Paris, 1747–1823)”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.101.20a, b”

Open research questions

  • What specific horological features distinguish this imitator's work from genuine Abraham-Louis Bréguet movements?
  • Is the cylinder housing originally designed for this specific watch movement or was it adapted from another decorative object?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bloodstone and gold watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerProbably by an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet“Watch made by Probably by an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet”
Datesecond half 18th century“second half 18th century”
MaterialsBloodstone, gold, enamel“Bloodstone, gold, enamel”
Accession Number17.101.20a, b“17.101.20a, b”
LocationFrench, Paris“French, Paris”
Dimensions5 5/8 × 1 1/8 in. (14.3 × 2.9 cm)“5 5/8 × 1 1/8 in. (14.3 × 2.9 cm)”

Visible details

  • Cylindrical housing with applied gold scrollwork over dark stone
  • Bezel set with small cut stones surrounding the white enamel dial
  • Movement plate marked with signature Breguet and number 33
  • Balance bridge features elaborate pierced and engraved scrollwork

Research qualifications

  • Maker is attributed to an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet rather than the maker himself
  • The extent to which this object represents a wider type remains unverified

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

Consulted source

Watch by Probably by an imitator of Abraham-Louis Bréguet, French, Paris, second half 18th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 69228646d6

Terms in this record

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

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