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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair-case watch

Gold Pair-Case Watch

Partially verified

This men's watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (accession number BK-15089), is dated to 1786–1787. Constructed from gold, the piece features a pair-case design. The exterior of the outer case is decorated with high-relief repoussé work, which depicts the biblical scene of Abigail bringing gifts to David. The hands are crafted in a filigree-style gold. The inner case houses the movement, while the outer case provides protection and serves as a decorative element with its elaborate narrative metalwork. The dimensions of the inner watch are recorded as 4 cm in diameter, with the outer case measuring 4.6 cm in diameter. The overall height of the watch assembly is 5.8 cm, with a total depth of 2.5 cm.

The obverse of the watch BK-15089, showing the dial and gold hands.
The obverse of the watch BK-15089, showing the dial and gold hands. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pair-case watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15089
Source-reported date
1786 - 1787
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 Construction and Decoration

The object is identified as a gold watch featuring a pair-case configuration, a common housing style for late 18th-century timepieces designed to provide additional protection for the inner mechanism. The inner case contains the watch movement, while the external protective cover is designed for decorative display.

The outer case is finished with high-repoussé relief work. The relief scene depicts the biblical narrative of Abigail bringing gifts to David. The dimensions for the outer case are provided as 4.6 cm in diameter, whereas the internal component measures 4 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Men's gold watch with pair case”
  • “The outer case shows a high-repoussé relief depicting: Abigail bringing gifts to David.”

Dial and Hands

The visible face of the watch consists of an enamel dial marked with black Roman numerals to denote the hours. An outer track provides minute indicators. The central hand assembly is composed of gold, featuring a delicate filigree pattern.

The dial is designed for legibility against the white enamel background, with the gold hands providing a coordinated aesthetic to the metal case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outer case shows a high-repoussé relief depicting: Abigail bringing gifts to David.”
  • “diameter 4 cm”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is catalogued under the accession number BK-15089. The museum documentation provides the technical measurements and verifies the materials used in its construction.

The records for this item remain limited, as the maker of the watch is not identified. The dating of 1786–1787 is established within the museum's registry. Further research is necessary to confirm the original maker and the specific technical specifications of the internal movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15089”
  • “Watch, 1786 - 1787”
  • “Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • Who is the maker of the watch movement housed within the BK-15089 case?
  • Does the movement contain any hallmarks or signatures that might link the object to a specific horological centre or workshop?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold Pair-Case Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15089”
Object materialgold“gold (metal)”
Dating1786 - 1787“1786 - 1787”
Outer case decorationhigh-repoussé relief of Abigail and David“The outer case shows a high-repoussé relief depicting: Abigail bringing gifts to David.”
Diameter4.6 cm outer, 4 cm inner“diameter 4.6 cm · diameter 4 cm”
Museum object numberBK-15089“BK-15089”
Height and depth5.8 cm x 2.5 cm“height 5.8 cm x depth 2.5 cm”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with Roman hour numerals
  • Intricate filigree-style gold hands
  • Pair-case construction
  • High-relief repoussé decorative scene

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not identified in the source
  • The exact horological specifications of the internal movement remain unverified

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

Consulted source

Watch, 1786 - 1787

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record eb2a64d6ad

Terms in this record

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

Other pair-case watch records