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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gilded copper watch

Partially verified

This gilded copper pocket watch is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12817. Dated between approximately 1800 and 1900, the watch is characterized by its gilded copper construction and an enamelled dial. The design features a decorative back cover, which includes a rotating chased rosette encircled by a snake motif. The watch measures 4.7 cm in diameter and 2.8 cm in depth, with an overall height of 6.7 cm including the bow. The dial displays a signature that reads "M. Fly / LONDON." While the provenance and specific maker details remain a subject for further horological research, the object is firmly documented within the museum's institutional records as an item of gilded copper jewellery.

Front view of the gilded copper watch showing the enamelled dial and M. Fly London signature.
Front view of the gilded copper watch showing the enamelled dial and M. Fly London signature. — 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-NM-12817
Source-reported date
c. 1800–c. 1900
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

Construction and Materials

The watch is constructed from copper that has been subjected to a gilding technique. The aesthetic presentation of the watch includes a rope-pattern motif around the case edge and an ornate back cover.

The decorative features of the case include a rotating chased rosette. This central motif is encircled by a snake, which serves as a prominent design element of the case back. These techniques indicate an emphasis on external ornamentation consistent with its classification as jewellery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilded copper watch”
  • “copper (metal)”
  • “technique gild”
  • “On the back cover is a rotating chased rosette surrounded by a snake.”

Dial and Signature

The watch is fitted with an enamelled dial featuring Roman numerals for the hour markers and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial displays the signature "M. Fly" accompanied by the location "LONDON" printed below the central hand arbor.

The hands appear to be of an ornate, filigree design. The presence of the "London" mark suggests a historical association with the English horological tradition, though current documentation does not provide further biographical detail regarding the watchmaker or the specific workshop responsible for the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilded copper watch with enamelled dial.”

Museum Provenance

This watch is preserved by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is catalogued under the object number BK-NM-12817 and is officially categorized within their collection as jewellery. The museum’s record serves as the primary source for the physical attributes of the object.

The dating of the object is assigned to the period between 1800 and 1900. No specific manufacturer identification has been established beyond the dial inscription. The museum record serves to verify the existence and physical description of this specific specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12817”
  • “Museum classification jewellery · wrist watch”
  • “c. 1800 - c. 1900”

Open research questions

  • Can the maker M. Fly be identified in London watchmaker records from the 19th century?
  • Does the rotating rosette and snake design correspond to any specific workshop or specialized jewellery-watch makers of the era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilded copper watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession numberBK-NM-12817“BK-NM-12817”
MaterialCopper with gilding“copper (metal)”
Diameter4.7 cm“diameter 4.7 cm”
Depth2.8 cm“depth 2.8 cm”
DecorationRotating chased rosette surrounded by a snake“On the back cover is a rotating chased rosette surrounded by a snake.”
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Gilded bow featuring a single red stone
  • Signature M. Fly London on the dial
  • Rope-pattern edge decoration on the case

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution and wider type are not confirmed
  • Exact production date is estimated within a broad century-long range

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

Consulted source

Watch of gilded copper, c. 1800–c. 1900 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-NM-12817)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b330f8394c

Terms in this record

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

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