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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gold repoussé watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12827, is constructed of gold. Dated to the period between circa 1769 and circa 1770, the object features an enamelled dial. The outer case of the watch is decorated with repoussé work, which depicts a scene involving a warrior and a woman. The object measures approximately 4.3 cm in diameter, with the outer case diameter recorded as 4.9 cm. The height is 6.1 cm and the depth is 2.7 cm. As a museum-held object, its primary documentation is provided by the Rijksmuseum records, which verify its material composition and dimensions. This record provides basic physical and historical information regarding the watch's form and construction as presented in its current custodial institution.

Front view of the gold repoussé pocket watch, displaying the enamelled dial and the decorative case housing.
Front view of the gold repoussé pocket watch, displaying the enamelled dial and the decorative case housing. — 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-12827
Source-reported date
c. 1769 - c. 1770
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 External Features

The watch is housed in a gold case featuring intricate repoussé decoration on its exterior surface. The physical dimensions of the outer case are confirmed as 4.9 cm in diameter, which comfortably accommodates the internal watch mechanism and dial.

The watch includes a standard bow and pendant assembly, providing a functional interface for the user to handle the object. The overall depth of the casing is 2.7 cm, allowing for the inclusion of the movement while maintaining a profile suitable for the period's pocket wear. The case material is identified as gold, consistent with its status as a decorative luxury object from the late eighteenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold (metal)”
  • “Repoussé-worked on the outer case is a depiction of a warrior with a woman.”
  • “kast: diameter 4,9 cm”
  • “diepte 2,7 cm”

Dial and Timekeeping Face

The watch is fitted with an enamelled dial, which serves as the primary interface for time reading. The dial design incorporates Roman numerals for the hour indications, arranged in a traditional circular layout. Additionally, the dial includes Arabic numerals indicating five-minute intervals, which suggests a precision-oriented design for its time.

The hands are visible against the white background of the enamel, providing a clear contrast for legibility. No further details regarding the maker of the movement behind the dial are currently identified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with enamelled dial.”

Documentation and Provenance

The object is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where it is classified as BK-NM-12827. The museum identifies the object within the broader category of jewellery and timekeeping instruments. Documentation provided by the institution confirms the physical specifications and the material composition of the watch.

The current record relies on the Rijksmuseum's translation of their Dutch catalogue text to provide consistent details. The status of the object as a single, museum-held item means that its wider historical classification and maker identification require further verification against horological literature. This ensures that the catalogue entry remains strictly aligned with the facts provided by the custodial institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12827”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement configuration and escapement type used in this watch?
  • Is there an identified maker or horological workshop associated with this specific case design or movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold repoussé watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgold (metal)“gold (metal)”
Object NumberBK-NM-12827“BK-NM-12827”
Datec. 1769 - c. 1770“c. 1769 - c. 1770”
Dial TypeEnamelled“enamelled dial”
Case DecorationRepoussé scene of a warrior and woman“Repoussé-worked on the outer case is a depiction of a warrior with a woman.”
Dimensions4.3 cm (watch diameter)“diameter 4.3 cm”
Case Diameter4.9 cm“kast: diameter 4,9 cm”
Depth2.7 cm“diepte 2,7 cm”

Visible details

  • Enamelled dial featuring Roman numerals for hour markers and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals
  • Gilt metal case with visible repoussé decorative relief work
  • Pendant bow and crown assembly for time adjustment or winding

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution and internal movement details are not provided by the current source
  • The wider horological type of this specimen has not been independently verified against external records

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

Consulted source

Watch of gold, c. 1769 - c. 1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f68555411f

Terms in this record

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

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