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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Square watch

F. L. Meybom Square Watch

Partially verified

This square watch, created by F. L. Meybom, who was active between approximately 1650 and 1680, is attributed to Paris, France, and dates to circa 1670–75. The object is a timepiece constructed with a highly decorative case made of gold, blued steel, rock crystal, partly gilded silver, and diamonds. The internal movement consists of gilded brass, partly blued steel, and silver components. The watch dimensions are approximately 1 1/2 by 1 1/4 by 5/8 inches. The movement is engraved with the signature and location of the watchmaker. The object is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art as museum object 17.190.1600, gifted by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917.

The movement plate of the F. L. Meybom watch, showing the signature engraving and the blued steel balance bridge.
The movement plate of the F. L. Meybom watch, showing the signature engraving and the blued steel balance bridge. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Square watch
Maker / attribution
F. L. Meybom
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1600
Source-reported date
ca. 1670–75
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 watch is housed in a square case characterized by a complex assembly of materials. The external structure integrates gold, blued steel, and partly gilded silver. The lid of the case is set with rock crystal and features decorative diamond embellishments along the perimeter.

The dial is finished with painted enamel and basse-taille enamel on gold.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: gold, blued steel, rock crystal, partly gilded silver, and diamonds”
  • “Dial: painted enamel and basse-taille enamel on gold”

Movement and Signature

The movement is constructed from gilded brass, with additional components made of blued steel and silver. The internal mechanism features a bridge or cock with floral engravings.

The baseplate of the movement bears an inscription identifying the maker and his location. The engraving states 'F. Meybom a Paris St Germain', situating the work within the French capital during the third quarter of the 17th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: gilded brass, partly blued steel, and silver”

Provenance and Collection

The object is currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was acquired as part of the gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The museum records it under accession number 17.190.1600.

The piece is documented in the museum's collection database, and images of the specimen are available via their open-access initiative. The metadata provided for this object confirms its classification as a watch by F. L. Meybom, noting the physical dimensions and material composition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
  • “Museum object number 17.190.1600”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical purpose of the numbered regulator disc within the movement?
  • Does the engraving 'St Germain' refer to a specific district or workshop location in Paris for the maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for F. L. Meybom Square Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerF. L. Meybom“Watchmaker: F. L. Meybom (active ca. 1650–80)”
Dateca. 1670–75“ca. 1670–75”
OriginParis, France“French, Paris”
Dimensions3.8 x 3.2 x 1.6 cm“1 1/2 × 1 1/4 × 5/8 in. (3.8 × 3.2 × 1.6 cm)”
Case MaterialsGold, blued steel, rock crystal, silver, diamonds“Case: gold, blued steel, rock crystal, partly gilded silver, and diamonds”
Dial MaterialsPainted and basse-taille enamel on gold“Dial: painted enamel and basse-taille enamel on gold”
Movement MaterialsGilded brass, blued steel, silver“Movement: gilded brass, partly blued steel, and silver”
Museum Number17.190.1600“17.190.1600”

Visible details

  • Square-shaped case with rock crystal lid
  • Movement engraved 'F. Meybom a Paris St Germain'
  • Dial features Roman numerals on an enamel ring
  • Hinged lid decorated with inset diamonds and metalwork

Research qualifications

  • The specific wider type of this watch remains to be verified by specialist reference
  • The exact function of the numbered dial component within the movement is not detailed in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch, F. L. Meybom, ca. 1670–75

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cd63313c08

Terms in this record

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