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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Cross-shaped watch

Cross-shaped watch

Partially verified

This cross-shaped watch is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art (accession 1916.323). Attributed to the 1800s and of Austrian origin, the watch is constructed from crystal, gilt metal, and enamel. It features a cross-form housing with a visible movement and intricate enamel detailing. The movement is inscribed in ligature with the text "Ranna a Vienne." The object measures 8.3 x 5.4 x 2 cm. It was donated to the museum by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade and was included in the institution's 1916 inaugural exhibition. It is classified within the museum's Decorative Art and Design department under the category of jewelry. The design integrates a transparent crystal body, allowing visibility of internal mechanical elements, complemented by ornate, polychrome enamelwork on the exterior gilt metal frame.

Front view of the cross-shaped watch showing the dial, central enamel decoration, and movement components visible through the crystal casing.
Front view of the cross-shaped watch showing the dial, central enamel decoration, and movement components visible through the crystal casing. — Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Cross-shaped watch
Maker / attribution
Ranna
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1916.323
Source-reported date
1800s
Source-reported place
Austria

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 watch features a distinctive cross-shaped case, executed in a combination of crystal, gilt metal, and enamel. The crystal components allow for significant visibility of the internal movement and decorative elements. The gilt metal frame is adorned with enamelwork, appearing in red and green tones on the exterior borders and the suspension loop at the top of the case.

The layout incorporates a dial with Roman numerals arranged around a central decorative floral enamel motif. Below the dial section, a figure resembling a bird is visible within the crystal-cased lower limb of the cross. The overall structural dimensions are 8.3 x 5.4 x 2 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Crystal, gilt metal, enamel”
  • “overall: 8.3 x 5.4 x 2 cm (3 1/4 x 2 1/8 x 13/16 in.)”

Signature and Identification

The movement of the watch is signed with the inscription "Ranna a Vienne." This inscription is applied in a ligature format. The museum documentation attributes the piece to Austria and dates it to the 1800s.

The object is part of the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is classified under the Decorative Art and Design department's jewelry category.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement inscribed in ligature: "Ranna a Vienne.”
  • “Austria.”
  • “Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade.”

Provenance and Exhibition

The watch has a documented history within the Cleveland Museum of Art, entering the collection as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade. The museum records confirm the provenance as originating from this couple in Cleveland.

The watch was included in the inaugural exhibition organized by The Cleveland Museum of Art, which took place from June 6 to September 20, 1916.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade.”
  • “It has been shown in 1 recorded exhibition, including Inaugural Exhibition. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (co-organizer) (June 6-September 20, 1916).”

Open research questions

  • What is the horological significance of the 'Ranna' signature in the context of Austrian watchmaking during the 1800s?
  • Are there similar cross-shaped examples by this maker preserved in other horological collections?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cross-shaped watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRanna“movement inscribed in ligature: "Ranna a Vienne.”
Materialscrystal, gilt metal, enamel“Crystal, gilt metal, enamel”
Dimensions8.3 x 5.4 x 2 cm“overall: 8.3 x 5.4 x 2 cm (3 1/4 x 2 1/8 x 13/16 in.)”
CountryAustria“Austria.”
Accession Number1916.323“Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.323”
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade“Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade.”

Visible details

  • Cross-shaped case configuration
  • Visible movement with complex bridge work
  • Polychrome enamel accents on metal frame
  • Dial display with Roman numerals

Research qualifications

  • The exact 1800s date remains broad and unrefined
  • Attribution of maker 'Ranna' requires further horological verification

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

Consulted source

Watch (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.323)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record bd838377d0

Terms in this record

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

Other cross-shaped watch records