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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Enamelled Gold Pocket Watch by James Tregent

Partially verified

This watch is an enamelled gold piece manufactured in London between 1760 and 1770. The movement is signed 'Jams Tregent, London, 350' and features a verge escapement. The watch was produced during the earlier phase of James Tregent's career; he is first noted in records from 1759 and later became a member of the Clockmakers' Company between 1781 and 1808. The timepiece is crafted from gold with enamel elements. Its dimensions are recorded as 6.1 cm in height, 4.8 cm in width, and 2.5 cm in depth. The object entered the museum collection as a gift from Mr. C.H. Golding-Bird.

Front view of the enamelled gold pocket watch showing the dial, hands, and pendant.
Front view of the enamelled gold pocket watch showing the dial, hands, and pendant. — 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
James Tregent
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.365-1923
Source-reported date
1760-1770
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
350

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 Aesthetic Features

The watch is constructed with an enamelled gold case. The overall dimensions measure 6.1 cm in height, 4.8 cm in width, and 2.5 cm in depth. The aesthetic configuration, particularly the design of the case, is associated with the rococo style.

The dial features a white ground with black Arabic numerals marking the hours. A minute track is visible around the outer perimeter of the dial, complemented by slender, arrow-ended hands, which display the time against the simple numerical indices.

Evidence for this section
  • “Enamelled gold watch”
  • “the rococo style of the case show that this watch dates from the early part of Tregent's watch-making career.”

Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism of the watch is a verge escapement. The movement is signed with the maker's name and a serial number: 'Jams Tregent, London, 350'.

This serial number is cited as an indicator of the watch's early production date within the broader career of James Tregent. The verge escapement was a prevalent choice for portable timekeepers produced in London during the mid-18th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement with verge escapement signed 'Jams Tregent, London, 350'”
  • “The early number of the movement shows that the watch dates from the early part of Tregent's career.”

Maker and Provenance

James Tregent is first recorded as an active maker in 1759. His professional affiliation with the Clockmakers' Company began in 1781 and continued through 1808. In addition to his independent practice, he served as watchmaker to George, Prince of Wales.

The specific provenance of this object includes its acquisition by the museum through a donation from Mr. C.H. Golding-Bird, registered under accession number M.365-1923.

Evidence for this section
  • “James Tregent is first recorded in 1759 and was a member of the Clockmakers' Company from 1781 to 1808.”
  • “Given by Mr. C.H.Golding-Bird”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition and decorative pattern of the enamel work on the case exterior?
  • Are there secondary hallmarks present on the gold case that could further refine the date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Enamelled Gold Pocket Watch by James Tregent
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJames Tregent“Jams Tregent”
Date1760-1770“1760-1770”
OriginLondon, England“London”
Accession numberM.365-1923“M.365-1923”
Escapement typeVerge“verge escapement”

Visible details

  • Enamelled gold case construction
  • White dial with black Arabic numerals
  • Gold hands with arrow-head detailing
  • Integrated pendant and bow loop

Research qualifications

  • The exact month or day of manufacture within the 1760-1770 range is unknown
  • The full extent of the original enamelling on the case remains to be verified by physical inspection

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

Consulted source

Watch, Tregent, James, 1760-1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5fb791f481

Terms in this record

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

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