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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gilded Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (accession number BK-15076), is a gentleman's timepiece constructed from gilded silver. The case features a decorative back cover adorned with a relief depiction of the biblical narrative of Rebecca and Laban at the well. Measuring 5.5 cm in diameter with a depth of 2.2 cm, the watch represents a period of manufacture between approximately 1700 and 1800. The dial is white and displays multiple sub-registers, including indications for adjustments and calendar-related functions. While the specific maker and country of origin are not identified in the provided documentation, the object is classified within the museum's collection as jewellery and a watch.

Front view of the watch showing the dial, multiple sub-registers, and the pendant.
Front view of the watch showing the dial, multiple sub-registers, and the pendant. — 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-15076
Source-reported date
c. 1700 - c. 1800
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 External Features

The watch is housed in a case composed of silver metal, which has undergone a gilding process to provide its final appearance. The overall diameter of the object is 5.5 cm, with a total height of 7.1 cm including the bow and stem. The depth of the watch is documented as 2.2 cm, contributing to its size as a gentleman's timepiece.

A significant feature of the exterior is the back cover, which is decorated with a relief scene depicting Rebecca and Laban at the well. The housing is designed with a standard pendant and bow arrangement located at the top of the case for attachment to a chain or fob.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gentleman's watch of gilded silver.”
  • “On the back cover in relief, a depiction of Rebecca and Laban at the well.”
  • “diameter 5.5 cm x height 7.1 cm x width 5.5 cm x depth 2.2 cm”

Dial and Functions

The face of the watch is a white dial featuring multiple indicator registers. The arrangement includes a main time display and several subsidiary dials for secondary measurements. The dial bears the French inscription 'Avance' and 'Retard' at the top, indicating the regulation mechanism for the balance.

Additional indicators are present on the dial surface, suggesting functions beyond standard timekeeping, such as calendar or auxiliary complications. The dial exhibits visible signs of age and patina.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the back cover in relief, a depiction of Rebecca and Laban at the well.”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch is part of the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is formally catalogued under the object number BK-15076. The museum provides the primary documentation for the object's material, dimensions, and visual description. The entry is recorded as a 'watch' and is classified within the museum's broader 'jewellery' category.

As a museum-held object, its identity is tied to the accession number assigned by the institution. The provenance details provided by the museum form the basis for this entry, and no external catalogue references or specific maker attributions have been currently confirmed through horological literature or manufacturer records for this specific specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15076”
  • “museum's Dutch catalogue text”
  • “Rijksmuseum Collection (Amsterdam)”

Open research questions

  • What is the horological significance of the specific calendar or adjustment sub-registers visible on the dial?
  • Can the maker be identified through comparisons of the Rebecca and Laban relief style with known 18th-century case makers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilded Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object numberBK-15076“BK-15076”
Materialgilded silver“gilded silver”
Dimensionsdiameter 5.5 cm x height 7.1 cm x width 5.5 cm x depth 2.2 cm“diameter 5.5 cm x height 7.1 cm x width 5.5 cm x depth 2.2 cm”
Case motifRebecca and Laban at the well“On the back cover in relief, a depiction of Rebecca and Laban at the well.”
Museum classificationjewellery, watch“jewellery · wrist watch”
Datingc. 1700 - c. 1800“c. 1700 - c. 1800”

Visible details

  • White dial with multiple sub-dials
  • Metal bow and winding stem at 12 o'clock
  • Gilded silver case construction
  • Relief depiction on the case back of Rebecca and Laban

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution remains unverified
  • Specific country of origin is not explicitly stated in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch, c. 1700 - c. 1800

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 19490285da

Terms in this record

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

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