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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Calendar pocket watch

Gilt copper watch

Partially verified

This watch is a timepiece constructed from gilt copper, currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12874. Dating approximately between 1800 and 1900, the watch features a round case with a suspension bow at the top. The dial is white enamel and includes both time and date indications. The case back is decorated with blue translucent enamel featuring a polychrome floral motif depicting roses. According to the museum records, the physical dimensions of the object are approximately 6 cm in diameter, 8.4 cm in total height, and 2.5 cm in depth. The object is catalogued by the museum as a watch, though the classification also notes it under jewellery. The current information provided represents documentation from the holding institution; details regarding the internal movement, specific maker, or historical provenance remain to be fully researched and established by horological experts.

Front view of the gilt copper pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial with time and date indicators.
Front view of the gilt copper pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial with time and date indicators. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Calendar pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12874
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

Case and Exterior Decoration

The exterior of the case back is finished in blue translucent enamel, which serves as a ground for a decorative scheme incorporating polychrome roses. The overall shape of the watch is circular, measuring 6 cm in diameter and 2.5 cm in depth.

A suspension bow is affixed to the pendant at the top of the case. The total height of the object, including the pendant and bow, is recorded as 8.4 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt copper watch”
  • “case back is decorated with blue translucent enamel with roses in polychrome enamel”
  • “diameter 6 cm x height 8.4 cm x width 6 cm x depth 2.5 cm”

Dial and Indications

The face of the watch features a white enamelled dial. The display is designed to show time as well as a date indication. The Arabic numerals for the hours are arranged around the periphery of the dial, while a secondary, smaller inner chapter ring is present for the date function.

The hands are positioned centrally. The specific configuration of the date hand and its relationship to the date scale suggests a calendar complication, though the technical mechanics of this system are not documented in the provided source records.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamelled dial with date indication”

Documentation and Provenance

The object is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, registered under the number BK-NM-12874. The provided data is derived from the museum’s internal records, which classify the object as both a watch and as jewellery. The attribution of the date range is broad, encompassing the 19th century.

It further specifies that the information regarding the object's wider historical context, such as maker attribution, has not been independently verified through external horological references.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12874”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the maker or the workshop responsible for this watch?
  • Does the internal movement contain any hallmarks or signatures that clarify the provenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt copper watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession NumberBK-NM-12874“BK-NM-12874”
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12874”
MaterialsCopper and gilt“material recorded as copper (metal), gilding (material)”
Diameter6 cm“diameter 6 cm”
Depth2.5 cm“depth 2.5 cm”
Date Rangec. 1800 - c. 1900“c. 1800 - c. 1900”
DecorationBlue enamel with roses“case back is decorated with blue translucent enamel with roses in polychrome enamel”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with central time indicators and an inner date chapter ring.
  • Suspension bow mounted at the top of the case.
  • Gilt metal finish visible on the case and pendant.

Research qualifications

  • The maker and specific date of origin are not identified in the provided documentation.
  • The technical functionality of the internal movement is not described in the source material.

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

Consulted source

Watch of gilt copper

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 24fb92a40c

Terms in this record

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

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