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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch

Boucheron Gold Wristwatch

Partially verified

This gold wristwatch, manufactured in Paris circa 1963 by Boucheron, features a square case and a leather strap. The exterior surface of the case, including the front and sides, is decorated with an incised grid pattern. The piece is marked with the maker's name, its place of manufacture, and an export mark. The object measures 2.5 cm in length and 1.8 cm in width. It was purchased from Boucheron in London by Bettine, Lady Abingdon, in October 1963. The wristwatch was later acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of the Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection, through a bequest from Mrs T. R. P. Hole. It is currently held within the museum's permanent collections under the accession number M.158&A-1987.

Full view of the gold wristwatch, displaying the incised grid pattern on the square case and the attached leather strap.
Full view of the gold wristwatch, displaying the incised grid pattern on the square case and the attached leather strap. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Boucheron
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.158&A-1987
Source-reported date
ca. 1963
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
BT 1203.255

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

Design and Construction

The wristwatch is constructed with a square gold case measuring 2.5 cm in length by 1.8 cm in width. The aesthetic design is characterized by an incised grid pattern that covers both the front of the case and its side surfaces. This uniform texturing provides a consistent surface appearance across the visible frame of the watch head.

The dial continues the thematic grid pattern found on the case exterior. The watch is completed with a leather strap, which secures the case to the wrist.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold square case, front and sides incised with a grid pattern.”
  • “leather strap”

Signatures and Marks

The case back of the wristwatch contains several engraved and incised marks. The primary inscription reads 'BOUCHERON MADE IN FRANCE', followed by the alphanumeric identifier 'BT 1203.255'. This provides verification of the maker and the place of manufacture.

In addition to the text inscriptions, there is an incised mark visible on the case back. This mark indicates that the object was intended for export at the time of its production or distribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved BOUCHERON MADE IN FRANCE BT 1203.255”
  • “Incuse mark showing that object was intended for export”

Provenance and History

The wristwatch has a documented provenance dating back to its initial retail purchase in 1963. It was bought by Bettine, Lady Abingdon, at the Boucheron boutique in London during October of that year.

Following its period of private ownership, the watch became part of the Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection. It entered the permanent holdings of the Victoria and Albert Museum as a bequest from Mrs T. R. P. Hole under the accession number M.158&A-1987.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bought from Boucheron, London, by Bettine, Lady Abingdon, in October 1963”
  • “The Bettine, Lady Abingdon Collection, bequeathed by Mrs T. R. P. Hole”

Open research questions

  • What is the movement caliber or manufacturer contained within the Boucheron case?
  • Does the export mark correspond to a specific international market destination for the 1963 period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Boucheron Gold Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBoucheron“Boucheron (maker)”
Dateca. 1963“ca. 1963”
Place of originParis“Paris (made)”
MaterialsGold and leather“Gold and leather”
Accession numberM.158&A-1987“M.158&A-1987”
Serial numberBT 1203.255“BT 1203.255”
Dimensions2.5 cm x 1.8 cm“Length: 2.5 cm; Width: 1.8 cm”
InscriptionsBOUCHERON MADE IN FRANCE“Engraved BOUCHERON MADE IN FRANCE BT 1203.255”

Visible details

  • Case features a recurring incised grid pattern
  • Watch attached to a dark brown crocodile-textured leather strap
  • Dial matches the case's grid pattern aesthetic
  • Crown positioned at the three o'clock side

Research qualifications

  • Movement mechanism details remain undocumented
  • Specific composition or karat of the gold not explicitly clarified

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

Consulted source

Wristwatch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record add5c9cf59

Terms in this record

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

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