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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Clock watch

Clock-watch attributed to Daniel Delander

Partially verified

This clock-watch is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession 17.190.1505a, b). Attributed to the British maker Daniel Delander (1678–1733), the piece dates to approximately 1705. The object is constructed from silver and silver gilt. It measures 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. As a clock-watch, the mechanism is designed to sound the hours. The external case features ornate, engraved decorative motifs. The white dial displays Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals for the minutes. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department maintains the record for this object, which includes the subject tag "Insignia."

Front view of the clock-watch and its associated winding key.
Front view of the clock-watch and its associated winding key. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Clock watch
Maker / attribution
Daniel Delander
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1505a, b
Source-reported date
ca. 1705
Source-reported place
British

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 object is a clock-watch manufactured in silver and silver gilt. Measuring 1 3/8 inches in diameter, the case features detailed engraving on the periphery, displaying a flowing floral or foliate motif. The watch includes a pendant and bow assembly at the top for suspension.

The dial is white with a standard chapter ring of Roman numerals representing the hours. An outer track utilizes Arabic numerals placed at five-minute intervals, providing for precise minute reading. The blued steel hands are centrally mounted, indicating the current time against the chapter ring and minute track.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver gilt, silver”
  • “Diameter: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm).”
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Insignia.”

Attribution and Documentation

The clock-watch is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and is catalogued under the accession number 17.190.1505a, b. The European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department provides the attribution to the British maker Daniel Delander, who was active during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, specifically spanning 1678 to 1733.

The institution officially dates the piece to approximately 1705. The museum's documentation confirms the object's identity within their collection and categorizes it under horology. The source notes that these details are transcribed directly from the museum's open-access records, which serve as the primary authority for the object's provenance and technical classification in this archive.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is attributed to Daniel Delander (British, 1678–1733).”
  • “The museum dates it ca. 1705.”
  • “Museum object number 17.190.1505a, b”

Institutional Record

As a documented piece in a public museum collection, the object is maintained according to professional standards for decorative arts. The entry is categorized within the field of horology and is assigned specific subject tags by the museum staff, such as 'Insignia', which may indicate the owner's status or the watch's intended use in a formal context.

The record status is defined as individual, reflecting its status as a single, unique specimen within the museum's holdings. The metadata provided by the museum, including physical dimensions and materials, forms the basis for the current descriptive catalogue entry.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock-watch in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 17.190.1505a, b)”
  • “Museum object number 17.190.1505a, b”
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Insignia.”

Open research questions

  • What are the internal mechanical features that differentiate this piece as a 'clock-watch' versus a standard watch?
  • Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks visible on the inner casing that would corroborate the attribution to Daniel Delander?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clock-watch attributed to Daniel Delander
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDaniel Delander“It is attributed to Daniel Delander (British, 1678–1733).”
Dateca. 1705“Clock-watch, ca. 1705”
Dimensions1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)“Diameter: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm).”
MaterialsSilver gilt, silver“Silver gilt, silver”
Accession number17.190.1505a, b“Museum object number 17.190.1505a, b”
SubjectInsignia“Subject tags assigned by the museum: Insignia.”

Visible details

  • Silver-gilt finish on case
  • Roman numerals on dial
  • Arabic five-minute track
  • Accompanied by a winding key

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Daniel Delander is assigned by the museum rather than verified by signature
  • Wider typological context for this specific specimen remains subject to further research

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

Consulted source

Clock-watch, ca. 1705

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c43b03f350

Terms in this record

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

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