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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Enamelled Gold and Glass Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This French pocket watch dates to 1822-1838 and features an enamelled gold and glass case. The piece is attributed to watchcase maker François-Auguste Chenaud. It is equipped with an unsigned movement utilizing a cylinder escapement. The watch construction incorporates a glass back, which allows for viewing the internal mechanism and the associated enamelled decoration. The dial is finished in gold with engraved floral details, black Roman numerals, and a secondary winding aperture. The external case features decorative enamel work, consistent with the identified manufacturing period. The object is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection, having been acquired through a donation from Miss Elizabeth A Mullins.

Movement of the watch showing blue enamel plates, bridge construction, and cylinder escapement.
Movement of the watch showing blue enamel plates, bridge construction, and cylinder escapement. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
François-Auguste Chenaud
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.98-1916
Source-reported date
1822-1838
Source-reported place
France

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 pocket watch is housed in an enamelled gold and glass case. The external appearance is characterized by decorative enamel work. The dial is executed in gold and features an engraved floral motif at its center. It uses black Roman numerals for the hour markers and includes a winding aperture at the two o'clock position.

The design incorporates a glass back, which serves as a window to the interior of the watch. This feature allows for the inspection of the movement components and the decorative elements contained within the case back. The overall dimensions of the watch are 5 cm in height and 4.3 cm in width.

Evidence for this section
  • “Enamelled gold and glass case”
  • “the glass back revealing enamelled decoration”

Movement and Escapement

The movement powering the watch is unsigned. It is constructed using a cylinder escapement, a common mechanism for the period. The plates of the movement are notable for their blue enamelled finish, which is visible through the transparent back of the watch.

The layout displays the gear train and balance assembly, allowing a clear view of the functional parts through the glass back, which aligns with the decorative presentation of the movement plates.

Evidence for this section
  • “Unsigned movement with cylinder escapement”
  • “the glass back revealing enamelled decoration”

Provenance and Marks

The object is associated with the watchcase maker François-Auguste Chenaud, whose mark is recorded on the piece. This mark serves to attribute the case manufacture to the period between 1822 and 1838. The item is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The watch was added to the museum's collection as a gift from Miss Elizabeth A Mullins, under the accession number M.98-1916. No other specific historical ownership or literature is noted in the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mark of François-Auguste Chenaud”
  • “Given by Miss Elizabeth A Mullins”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the movement caliber?
  • Are there any identifying marks on the movement plate hidden from view that were not documented in the source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Enamelled Gold and Glass Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object typeWatch“Object type: Watch”
Accession numberM.98-1916“Accession number: M.98-1916”
MakerFrançois-Auguste Chenaud“Maker: Chenaud, François-Auguste (watchcase maker)”
Date1822-1838“Date: 1822-1838”
Place of originFrance“Place of origin: France (made)”
MaterialsEnamelled gold and glass“Materials and techniques: Enamelled gold and glass”
Escapement typeCylinder escapement“Unsigned movement with cylinder escapement”

Visible details

  • Engraved floral motif on the gold dial
  • Visible blue enamel decoration on the movement plates
  • Cylinder escapement visible in movement photo
  • Roman numeral hour markers

Research qualifications

  • Movement is stated as unsigned
  • Specific manufacturer of the movement mechanism is not provided in source

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 81a0f26bd8

Terms in this record

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

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