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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Watch dial

Gilt metal watch dial by Jean Julien Faucherre

Partially verified

This round watch dial, measuring 4.1 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm in depth, is constructed of gilt metal. It originated from the London workshop of the Swiss engraver Jean Julien Faucherre (1805-1891). The dial remains in an unfinished state, characterized by the absence of painted numerals for timekeeping, though it features detailed decorative engraving. The central motif consists of a cluster of pansies and additional floral elements. This design is enclosed by a decorative border composed of stylized ribbons and further floral patterns. Its preservation provides insight into the output of a smaller supplier to the 19th-century horological industry.

Gilt metal watch dial with floral engraving and no numerals, 1850-1880.
Gilt metal watch dial with floral engraving and no numerals, 1850-1880. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Component · Watch dial
Maker / attribution
Faucherre, Jean Julien
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.10-2009
Source-reported date
1850-1880
Source-reported place
London, England

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 Physical Characteristics

The object is a circular watch dial manufactured from gilt metal, measuring 4.1 cm in diameter with a depth of 0.5 cm. The surface is decorated with an engraved motif centered on a bouquet of pansies, surrounded by other floral details. The entire central design is framed by an ornate border composed of ribbons and floral motifs, executed through fine engraving techniques.

This state of completion provides a clear view of the decorative metalwork that would have been obscured or secondary to the timekeeping indices in a finished timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch dial, gilt metal, round, engraved with central design of pansies and other flowers within a ribbon and flower border.”
  • “Unfinished with no painted numerals on the dial.”

Maker and Workshop Context

Jean Julien Faucherre, born in Switzerland in 1805, established his workshop in London after working in France between 1830 and 1841. While documented as a master watch engraver in 1857, his production was varied, encompassing items such as electrotyped boxes and panels for carriage clocks alongside watch components.

The archival nature of this object is linked to its inclusion in a broader group of materials from Faucherre's workshop. Historically, the output of such smaller suppliers was frequently anonymous, appearing in the market under the branding of larger contemporary silversmiths or horological retailers. This dial represents a rare survivor from a workshop that operated largely behind the scenes of the Victorian trade.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is one of a group of objects from the workshop of Jean Julien Faucherre”
  • “His work would have been largely anonymous and sold under the name of larger silversmiths or retailers of the Victorian period.”

Provenance and History

The dial was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum as accession number M.10-2009. It forms part of a larger, documented collection of material salvaged from Faucherre’s professional life, which was donated by Miss Jeanne Faucherre.

The preservation of this dial and its associated workshop materials allows for an examination of the tools and components created by specialist suppliers during the mid-to-late 19th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Given by Miss Jeanne Faucherre”
  • “It is very rare to find so much documented material from one of the smaller suppliers to the trade.”

Open research questions

  • What was the specific intended use for this dial's dimensions within the Victorian watch trade?
  • How does this dial compare in engraving style to other extant items from Faucherre's documented workshop groups?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt metal watch dial by Jean Julien Faucherre
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFaucherre, Jean Julien“Faucherre, Jean Julien (maker)”
Date1850-1880“1850-1880”
Place of originLondon“London (made)”
Dimensions4.1 cm diameter“Diameter: 4.1 cm”
TechniqueEngraved gilt metal“Gilt metal, engraved”
Accession numberM.10-2009“M.10-2009”
ProvenanceGift of Miss Jeanne Faucherre“Given by Miss Jeanne Faucherre”

Visible details

  • Central engraved bouquet of pansies
  • Unfinished state with no hour numerals
  • Circular gilt metal disc
  • Peripheral ribbon and floral border

Research qualifications

  • The exact chronological placement within the 1850-1880 window is unconfirmed
  • The intended final retailer remains unknown

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

Consulted source

Watch dial

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a545735912

Terms in this record

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

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