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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Gilt-brass cased pocket watch with verge escapement

Partially verified

This individual pocket watch features a gilt-brass case with an oval bow, domed glass, and a rear winding-hole dust cover, reported by the source as not being original to the movement. The white enamel dial is signed 'GERRIT VOS AMSTERDAM', displaying Roman numerals I-XII for the hours and an arcaded outer track with Arabic five-minute markings. The time is shown by blued steel beetle-and-poker hands. According to the British Museum, the fusee movement employs a verge escapement, four tulip pillars, a silver regulation disc marked 5-30, and a pierced, engraved balance cock with foliate decoration incorporating a mask, bird, and shell motif.

Front view of the Gerrit Vos pocket watch showing the enamel dial, arcaded track, and beetle-and-poker hands
Front view of the Gerrit Vos pocket watch showing the enamel dial, arcaded track, and beetle-and-poker hands — © The Trustees of the British Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.britishmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Gerrit Vos
Reference
1613491785
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Netherlands

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 Construction

The watch is housed in a gilt-brass case. The exterior features an oval-shaped bow and a domed glass crystal. A dust cover is located over the rear winding hole.

Records from the British Museum indicate the case is not original to the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt-brass case (gilding almost entirely worn away) with oval bow.”
  • “Domed glass.”
  • “Winding hole dust cover on rear.”
  • “(Case not original).”

Dial and Visual Appointments

The white enamel dial features Roman numerals (I-XII) and an arcaded outer track with Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals. Time is indicated by blued steel beetle-and-poker hands.

The dial displays hairline cracks across the surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with Arabic 5 minute marks (5-60) and arcaded minute track, Roman hour numerals (I-XII).”
  • “Blued steel 'beetle and poker' hour and minute hand.”
  • “Visible hairline cracks on the enamel surface running across the center dial”

Movement Architecture

The watch features a fusee movement with a verge escapement. The gilt-brass plates are secured by four tulip-type pillars.

The balance cock is pierced and engraved with foliate detailing, a mask, a bird, and a shell. A silver regulation dial is marked with Arabic numerals 5-30.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fusee movement with verge escapement.”
  • “Gilt-brass plates secured by four 'tulip' type pillars.”
  • “Pierced and engraved balance cock with wide foot and having foliate decorative detailing with mask, bird, and shell.”
  • “Silver regualtion dial with arabic numerals (5-30).”

Open research questions

  • What is the date of manufacture for the movement?
  • What is the intended era or provenance of the replacement case?
  • Are there additional maker's marks located on the movement plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt-brass cased pocket watch with verge escapement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialGilt-brass“Gilt-brass case (gilding almost entirely worn away) with oval bow.”
Case authenticityNot original“(Case not original).”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel with arcaded track“White enamel dial with Arabic 5 minute marks (5-60) and arcaded minute track, Roman hour numerals (I-XII).”
HandsBlued steel beetle and poker“Blued steel 'beetle and poker' hour and minute hand.”
EscapementVerge escapement“Fusee movement with verge escapement.”
Movement pillarsTulip type“Gilt-brass plates secured by four 'tulip' type pillars.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial signed 'GERRIT VOS' across the upper section and 'AMSTERDAM' across the lower section
  • Outer minute track formatted in an arcaded pattern enclosing Arabic five-minute numbers
  • Roman numerals indicating the hours from I to XII
  • Blued steel beetle-and-poker hour and minute hands
  • Visible hairline cracks on the enamel surface running across the center dial
  • Oval-shaped pendant bow mounted on a stem at 12 o'clock
  • Gilt-brass case showing substantial wear through the gilding

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the case is not original
  • Movement details including the fusee, verge escapement, tulip pillars, and engraved balance cock are source-reported and concealed inside the case

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

Consulted source

Use this image 1613491785 | British Museum

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 059a5d1dcd

Terms in this record

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

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