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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Enamelled gold pocket watch by Guyerdet (ainé)

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (accession number M.166-1915), is constructed from enamelled gold. It measures 5.3 cm in height, 3.9 cm in width, and 0.7 cm in depth. The piece is signed 'Guyerdet ainé A Paris' and carries Paris assay marks dating the object to the period between 1819 and 1838. It also bears the mark of Jacob Mochelle and the serial number 19476. The watch features a detailed, engine-turned silver-colored dial with Roman numerals. The internal mechanism, visible upon opening the case, consists of a gilded plate movement. The object was donated to the museum by Evan Roberts. The combination of the signature and the recorded marks confirms its place of origin as Paris, France, during the early 19th century.

Front view of the enamelled gold pocket watch showing the dial and gold case.
Front view of the enamelled gold pocket watch showing the dial and gold case. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Guyerdet (ainé)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.166-1915
Source-reported date
1819-1838
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
19476

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

The watch case is constructed from enamelled gold. The dial is characterized by an engine-turned finish and displays Roman numerals for the hour track. The overall dimensions of the object are recorded as 5.3 cm in height by 3.9 cm in width with a depth of 0.7 cm.

The dial remains protected by the hinged case, which provides access to the internal mechanism and the dust cover that conceals the movement plates.

Evidence for this section
  • “enamelled gold”
  • “Height: 5.3 cm; Width: 3.9 cm; Depth: 0.7 cm”

Movement and Marks

The watch utilizes a gilded plate movement. The internal components, including the bridges and train wheels, are arranged behind a solid dust cover that bears the maker's signature and the city of origin. Two winding squares are positioned within the signature plate.

The watch is identified by the serial number 19476. Furthermore, the object carries a series of marks, including the mark of Jacob Mochelle, which are associated with the production and assay of gold items in Paris between 1819 and 1838.

Evidence for this section
  • “mark of Jacob Mochelle”
  • “'Guyerdet ainé A Paris' | marks | 19476 | mark of Jacob Mochelle”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch entered the museum collection as a donation from Evan Roberts. It is formally catalogued under the accession number M.166-1915. The documentation provided confirms the maker, date range, and origin based on the marks present on the piece.

The attribution of the watch to Guyerdet (ainé) is based on the inscription found on the internal dust cover. The period of manufacture is derived from the Paris marks, which place the creation of the watch within the early 19th-century timeframe specified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Given by Evan Roberts”
  • “Accession number: M.166-1915”
  • “Date: 1819-1838”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical purpose of the 'mark of Jacob Mochelle' in the context of this watch?
  • What type of escapement is utilized within the movement of this model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Enamelled gold pocket watch by Guyerdet (ainé)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGuyerdet (ainé)“Guyerdet (ainé) (watchmaker)”
Accession numberM.166-1915“M.166-1915”
Date1819-1838“1819-1838”
Place of originParis“Paris (made)”
Materialsenamelled gold“enamelled gold”
InscriptionsGuyerdet ainé A Paris“'Guyerdet ainé A Paris'”
Dimensions5.3 cm x 3.9 cm x 0.7 cm“Height: 5.3 cm; Width: 3.9 cm; Depth: 0.7 cm”

Visible details

  • Engine-turned textured dial with Roman numerals
  • Gilded plate movement visible inside the open case
  • Two winding holes on the back plate under the dust cover
  • Serial number 19476 engraved inside the case

Research qualifications

  • The exact function of the mark of Jacob Mochelle is not detailed in the source
  • The specific mechanical escapement type is not visible or described in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 69949e0ebb

Terms in this record

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

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