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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gilded Metal Watch, 17th Century

Partially verified

This 17th-century pocket watch, accession number 1916.322, is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The object is constructed of gilded metal and measures 5.3 by 4.5 centimeters. It is categorized within the museum's Decorative Art and Design department under Jewelry. The watch is associated with Germany. Provenance records indicate it was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade of Cleveland. The object has been publicly displayed, having been included in the museum's Inaugural Exhibition held from June 6 to September 20, 1916. Further research is required to verify specific maker attribution or the wider horological classification beyond the museum's institutional record.

The watch in an open position, revealing the engraved dial and the decorative interior of the cover.
The watch in an open position, revealing the engraved dial and the decorative interior of the cover. — Cleveland Museum of Art. 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
1916.322
Source-reported date
1600s
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

Construction and Design

The watch is fabricated from gilded metal and presents an oval form, measuring approximately 5.3 cm by 4.5 cm. The side of the watch case displays elaborate pierced metalwork, featuring intricate floral and foliate motifs that wrap around the circumference of the piece.

The dial is set within an engraved plate adorned with figurative elements, including winged figures and stylized birds. A central circular chapter ring displays standard Roman numerals, with the center of the dial showing an engraved architectural or landscape scene. The inner surface of the hinged cover contains additional decorative engraving, demonstrating a consistent aesthetic treatment across the object's visible components.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilded metal”
  • “5.3 x 4.5 cm (2 1/16 x 1 3/4 in.)”

Provenance and Exhibition

The object is held in the Cleveland Museum of Art and is formally classified under the category of Jewelry within the museum's Decorative Art and Design department. The acquisition was facilitated by a donation from Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade of Cleveland, who are also listed as the provenance for the piece.

Documentation confirms the watch was included in the museum's inaugural exhibition, which took place from June 6 to September 20, 1916. The piece remains a part of the museum's collection as an example of German metalwork from the 1600s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade.”
  • “The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (co-organizer) (June 6-September 20, 1916).”

Institutional Documentation

The information provided is derived from the museum's open-access records. The object is officially tracked under the accession number 1916.322. The museum record serves as the primary basis for the physical description and historical status provided here.

While the object is clearly defined as a 17th-century watch, further study is necessary to place the piece within a broader horological context. The current record represents a single institutional object and does not establish a wider collectible type or confirm an attributed maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cleveland Museum of Art's open-access record for this object”
  • “this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific horological mechanism contained within the watch case?
  • Is there a maker's mark or signature located on the movement plates that was not captured in the external photography?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilded Metal Watch, 17th Century
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession number1916.322“1916.322”
Materialgilded metal“gilded metal”
Dimensions5.3 x 4.5 cm“5.3 x 4.5 cm (2 1/16 x 1 3/4 in.)”
OriginGermany“Germany”
CreditGift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade“Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade.”

Visible details

  • The watch case features ornate pierced, floral-patterned metalwork on the side.
  • The dial includes Roman numerals and a central engraved scene.
  • The inner cover features delicate floral engraving.
  • The case exhibits wear and surface imperfections, consistent with its age.

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker of the watch is not identified in the source.
  • The wider horological type of the watch is currently unverified.

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

Consulted source

Watch (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.322)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 01bd5ea9c8

Terms in this record

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

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