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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gentleman's silver pocket watch with chain, BK-1969-11

Partially verified

This object, catalogued as BK-1969-11 by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, is a gentleman's watch constructed from silver. The watch is accompanied by an attached silver chain. According to museum documentation, the exterior of the case back features engine-turned decoration surrounding a central cartouche composed of leaves. This cartouche is engraved with the initials J.v.D. The watch possesses a standard round case profile with a pendant crown at the twelve o'clock position. The dial displays hour markers in Roman numerals, with a sub-dial for seconds positioned at the six o'clock mark. The total length of the object, including the chain, is 26.6 cm. The case itself measures approximately 4.8 cm in diameter with a depth of 1.3 cm. As a museum piece, it is held in the public collection of the Rijksmuseum. No specific maker is identified in the provided documentation, and further research is recommended to determine the manufacture details.

Gentleman's pocket watch and chain, Rijksmuseum accession BK-1969-11.
Gentleman's pocket watch and chain, Rijksmuseum accession BK-1969-11. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-1969-11
Source-reported date
c. 1913
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Decoration

The case back incorporates engine-turning, a mechanical technique used to create geometric patterns on metal surfaces. Centered within this pattern is a decorative cartouche shaped like leaves.

The initials J.v.D. are engraved within the cartouche on the case back. The watch is linked to a silver chain, providing a total length of 26.6 centimeters for the complete ensemble. The watch case measures 4.8 centimeters in diameter and 1.3 centimeters in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outside of the case back is decorated with engine-turning around a cartouche of leaves. In the cartouche the letters J.v.D. are engraved.”
  • “With chain.”

Dial and Configuration

The dial layout features Roman numerals to denote the hours. A small subsidiary dial is situated at the base of the main dial, calibrated for seconds with a pointer at the six o'clock position.

The winding crown is located at the top of the case in the pendant position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outside of the case back is decorated with engine-turning around a cartouche of leaves.”

Museum Provenance

This watch is part of the collection held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, registered under the accession number BK-1969-11. The institution classifies the item within their jewellery and watch category.

The museum record serves as the primary reference for the object's physical dimensions and material composition. There is no listed maker or specific horological manufacturer provided in the museum documentation, and research into the provenance or specific manufacturing details remains open.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-1969-11”

Open research questions

  • Identify the manufacturer of the movement and the silver case.
  • Confirm the production date beyond the museum-assigned 'c. 1913' date.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gentleman's silver pocket watch with chain, BK-1969-11
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
Museum object numberBK-1969-11“BK-1969-11”
MaterialSilver“silver (metal)”
Datec. 1913“c. 1913”
Diameter4.8 cm“diameter 4.8 cm”
Depth1.3 cm“depth 1.3 cm”
EngravingInitials J.v.D. in a leaf cartouche“In the cartouche the letters J.v.D. are engraved.”

Visible details

  • Silver chain attached to the watch pendant
  • Engine-turned decoration on the case back
  • Seconds sub-dial positioned at six o'clock
  • Roman numeral hour indicators

Research qualifications

  • Maker of the movement and case is currently unidentified
  • Origin and manufacturing location remain unverified

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

Consulted source

Gentleman's watch of silver with the letters J.v.D. in cartouche

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 823566a208

Terms in this record

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

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