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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Watch

German Gilt Brass Watch

Partially verified

This watch is an horological object with a gilt brass case, dated to the second half of the sixteenth century and attributed to a German origin. The case is constructed using cast, pierced, and chased techniques. The watch measures 6.8 cm in diameter and 3.8 cm in depth. The provenance of the object is linked to the collection of Ralph Bernal (1783-1854), a politician and art collector. The watch was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1855 following the sale of the Bernal collection by Christie's. The object is officially documented as accession number 2369-1855. It is noted that the movement currently contained within the case is not original to the piece.

The obverse of the German gilt brass watch (2369-1855), showing the engraved dial and hands.
The obverse of the German gilt brass watch (2369-1855), showing the engraved dial and hands. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2369-1855
Source-reported date
Second half of the sixteenth century
Source-reported place
Germany

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 object features a circular gilt brass case, which has been fashioned through casting, piercing, and chasing techniques. The exterior displays decorative work consistent with these metalworking methods. The diameter of the casing is 6.8 cm, with a depth of 3.8 cm.

The face of the watch includes a dial marked with Roman numerals. The dial surface is decorated with engraved scrollwork patterns. A central hand and a secondary hand are positioned at the center of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cast, pierced and chased gilt brass case.”
  • “Diameter: 6.8 cm; Depth: 3.8 cm”

Movement and Condition

The internal mechanism is not the original movement belonging to this case. This indicates that the current pairing of the movement and the casing is a later modification or replacement. No further details regarding the non-original movement's make or period are documented.

The case materials remain consistent with the original attribution of a German sixteenth-century manufacture. The physical state reflects the historical nature of the object as it was handled within a significant nineteenth-century private collection before its museum acquisition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is not original.”

Provenance and Acquisition

This watch was part of the collection held by Ralph Bernal (1783-1854), who was active as a politician in the House of Commons from 1815 to 1852. Following his death, his extensive collection of 730 lots was purchased for the Museum of Ornamental Art, which is now the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The acquisition occurred in 1855 through an auction held by Christie's. The watch has been part of the museum's holdings since the mid-nineteenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Purchased at the auction by Christie's of the collection of Ralph Bernal (1783-1854), politician and art collector, in 1855.”
  • “730 lots were acquired for Marlborough House”

Open research questions

  • What is the origin and date of the non-original movement currently inside the case?
  • Are there any maker's marks or stamps hidden on the internal surfaces of the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for German Gilt Brass Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession number2369-1855“2369-1855”
MakerUnknown“Maker: Unknown”
DateSecond half of the sixteenth century“Date: Second half of the sixteenth century”
Place of originGermany“Place of origin: Germany (Made)”
Materials and techniquesCast, pierced and chased gilt brass“Cast, pierced and chased gilt brass”
Dimensions6.8 cm diameter, 3.8 cm depth“Diameter: 6.8 cm; Depth: 3.8 cm”
Movement statusNot original“The movement is not original.”

Visible details

  • Gilt brass construction
  • Engraved dial with Roman numerals
  • Central hand and hour hand present
  • Circular form with hinged case

Research qualifications

  • The movement is explicitly stated as not original
  • Maker is unknown

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b78a9c5907

Terms in this record

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

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