Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gilt copper watch

Partially verified

This watch, identified by the Rijksmuseum as BK-NM-7892, is dated between 1700 and 1715. It is constructed from a combination of copper, gold, and sealskin. The object features a chased gold case decorated with a scene depicting a king or commander raising his left hand against a woman. The watch assembly comprises the watch itself, a case, and an outer case, with varying diameters measured at 4 cm, 4.7 cm, and 5.6 cm respectively. The overall height is 6.7 cm and the depth is 2.7 cm. The gilding technique is applied to the metal components. The object is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which classifies it under jewellery and watches. Further horological details such as movement specifications, maker, and technical escapement information are not documented in the provided source material.

The watch showing the dial with Roman and Arabic numerals and the textured green bezel.
The watch showing the dial with Roman and Arabic numerals and the textured green bezel. — 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-7892
Source-reported date
1700 - 1715
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 using a variety of materials including copper, gold, and sealskin, with the metal components featuring a gilding technique. The overall construction involves a nested arrangement including the watch, an inner case, and an outer case.

The dimensions are provided with specific measurements for each part of the assembly. The diameter of the watch is 4 cm, the inner case is 4.7 cm, and the outer case is 5.6 cm. The total height of the piece is 6.7 cm, with a depth of 2.7 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “copper (metal), sealskin, gold (metal)”
  • “diameter 4 cm x diameter 4.7 cm x diameter 5.6 cm x height 6.7 cm x depth 2.7 cm”

Decorative Case

The watch is housed in a chased gold case. The ornamentation of this case includes a narrative scene featuring a king or commander interacting with a woman. In the scene, the male figure is shown raising his left hand against the woman.

The outer portions of the watch assembly exhibit a distinct texture, described as sealskin. This material provides a decorative contrast to the gilt metal work of the inner case and dial bezel.

Evidence for this section
  • “In the chased gold case a king or commander is depicted raising his left hand against a woman.”
  • “copper (metal), sealskin, gold (metal)”

Provenance and Identification

The object is catalogued by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under the accession number BK-NM-7892.

The dating of the object is established as 1700 to 1715. The record indicates that these details are translated from the museum's own documentation, though further independent research is recommended to verify wider type and attribution information.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
  • “Museum object number BK-NM-7892”
  • “1700 - 1715”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical movement architecture inside the case?
  • Is there a maker's mark or signature hidden on the movement plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt copper watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
Museum Object NumberBK-NM-7892“BK-NM-7892”
Date1700-1715“1700 - 1715”
MaterialsCopper, gold, and sealskin“copper (metal), sealskin, gold (metal)”
Dimensions4 cm to 6.7 cm“diameter 4 cm x diameter 4.7 cm x diameter 5.6 cm x height 6.7 cm x depth 2.7 cm”
DescriptionChased gold case with figure scene“In the chased gold case a king or commander is depicted raising his left hand against a woman.”

Visible details

  • The dial features Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes.
  • The case includes a pendant for a bow or suspension.

Research qualifications

  • The specific maker of the watch is not identified in the source.
  • The functional condition of the movement is not reported in the source material.

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

Consulted source

Watch, 1700 - 1715

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 702c20bd2e

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records