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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lobed pocket watch

Gold Lobed Watch with Enamel Chain

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12882. Attributed to the period between circa 1820 and 1840, the watch is distinguished by its lobed case construction. The dial is fashioned from gold and features a hatched surface pattern, paired with an integrated gold chain. Both the front and back bezels of the watch case are detailed with coloured enamel decoration. The ensemble includes a winding key and two fobs suspended from the chain. According to official museum records, the watch has a diameter of 4.4 cm, and with the attached chain, the total length is 22 cm. The object is currently categorized within the museum’s jewellery collection, and

A gold-cased pocket watch with an integrated enamel-decorated chain, including winding key and fobs.
A gold-cased pocket watch with an integrated enamel-decorated chain, including winding key and fobs. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lobed pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12882
Source-reported date
c. 1820 - c. 1840
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 Dial Construction

The watch features a distinctive lobed case design, a form factor that emphasizes the rounded exterior profile. The material of the case is reported as gold, which serves as the base for the decorative elements. The front and back bezels are finished with coloured enamel, adding a chromatic contrast to the metallic surface. The transition from the case to the suspension is handled by a circular bow.

The dial is also constructed of gold and exhibits a textured hatched pattern across its surface. Roman numerals are used for the hour markers, encircling the inner textured field. An aperture for the winding square is visible on the dial face, positioned towards the top right, indicating that the watch is a key-wound mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with hatched gold dial.”
  • “The case is lobed. Back and front bezels decorated with coloured enamel.”

Integrated Chain and Fobs

Attached to the watch is a gold chain that functions as an integral part of the overall assembly. This chain is not merely a suspension device but includes decorative segments embellished with enamel to match the aesthetic of the watch case.

The chain assembly is equipped with multiple functional and decorative elements, including a winding key and two distinct fobs. These components are linked to the chain, allowing for both the maintenance of the movement and the display of personal ornamentation. The total length of this extended assembly is 22 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Chain with key and two fobs.”
  • “length 22 cm”

Provenance and Documentation

This object is part of the collection held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is officially catalogued under the object number BK-NM-12882. The documentation classifies the watch under both horological and jewellery records within the museum system.

The dating provided for this object places it within the first half of the 19th century, specifically between 1820 and 1840. The current institutional records provide the physical dimensions and material composition, though broader historical context or maker attribution remains to be established through further research.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12882”
  • “Watch, c. 1820 - c. 1840”

Open research questions

  • Does the interior movement bear any hallmarks or a maker's signature that could narrow the 1820-1840 production window?
  • What is the specific technique used for the polychrome enamel application on the lobed bezel sections?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold Lobed Watch with Enamel Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum Accession NumberBK-NM-12882“BK-NM-12882”
MaterialGold“gold (metal)”
Measurements4.4 cm diameter, 22 cm total length“diameter 4.4 cm x length 22 cm”
Case decorationLobed gold with coloured enamel“The case is lobed. Back and front bezels decorated with coloured enamel.”
DialHatched gold“Gold watch with hatched gold dial.”
AccessoriesChain, key, and two fobs“Chain with key and two fobs.”

Visible details

  • The watch case features a multi-lobed edge design with visible polychrome enamel inlay.
  • The watch dial is circular with Roman numeral hour markers and a central hatched finish.
  • A gold chain is attached to the watch bow, featuring ornamental enamel segments, a winding key, and two fobs.
  • The winding square is located on the dial, off-center toward the upper right quadrant.

Research qualifications

  • The specific maker of this movement and case remains unrecorded by the current institution.
  • The period attribution is broad and relies on museum general dating for this item category.

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

Consulted source

Watch, c. 1820 - c. 1840

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9b52a1a9ed

Terms in this record

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