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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch with chatelaine

Gold watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12852-A, is constructed from gold and features a white enamelled dial. The case back is decorated with a representation of a gentleman and a lady situated near an altar. The object measures 5.4 cm in diameter, with a height of 7.6 cm, width of 5.7 cm, and a depth of 1.9 cm. The watch is physically associated with a chatelaine, catalogued separately by the institution as BK-NM-12852-B. The dating of the object is established as approximately 1785 to 1800. , though it functions as a pocket watch suspended from a gold chatelaine assembly.

Gold pocket watch and associated chatelaine, featuring enamel decoration on the case back and winding key.
Gold pocket watch and associated chatelaine, featuring enamel decoration on the case back and winding key. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch with chatelaine
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12852-A
Source-reported date
c. 1785 - c. 1800
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 Exterior Decoration

The watch is manufactured from gold and features a decorative case back. This exterior surface displays an enamelled scene depicting a man and a woman positioned in proximity to an altar. The overall composition is presented as an integrated set with a gold chatelaine, which provides the mechanism for suspending the watch.

The chatelaine assembly accompanying the watch includes an ornate top plaque and multiple suspension chains. These chains lead to additional decorative elements, including a winding key decorated with a matching blue enamel panel and a central figurative motif.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with white enamelled dial.”
  • “On the case back is a representation of a gentleman and a lady near an altar.”
  • “Suspended from chatelaine BK-NM-12852-B.”

Physical Dimensions and Materiality

The watch is recorded with specific physical dimensions that define its form. It possesses a diameter of 5.4 cm, a height of 7.6 cm, and a width of 5.7 cm. The case has a depth of 1.9 cm, ensuring the housing accommodates the internal components of the timepiece.

The primary material identified for the watch is gold. The Rijksmuseum records classify the object in the context of jewellery, reflecting its presentation as a complete horological set alongside the associated chatelaine.

Evidence for this section
  • “material recorded as gold (metal)”
  • “measurements diameter 5.4 cm x height 7.6 cm x width 5.7 cm x depth 1.9 cm.”

Institutional Provenance and Identification

The object is part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, where it is designated with the museum object number BK-NM-12852-A. This identifier distinguishes the timepiece from the associated chatelaine, which is catalogued as BK-NM-12852-B.

Documentation for this object relies on the museum's internal records. The piece is categorized as an item of jewellery within their collection framework. The provided date range for the watch is estimated to fall between 1785 and 1800.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12852-A”
  • “c. 1785 - c. 1800”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”

Open research questions

  • Is there a signature located on the movement or internal dust cover?
  • Does the enamel work on the case back or chatelaine carry a hallmark or artist's initials?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum numberBK-NM-12852-A“BK-NM-12852-A”
MaterialGold“gold (metal)”
Date rangec. 1785 - c. 1800“c. 1785 - c. 1800”
Diameter5.4 cm“diameter 5.4 cm”
Depth1.9 cm“depth 1.9 cm”
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
Case decorationFigurative scene“On the case back is a representation of a gentleman and a lady near an altar.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial within a circular gold case
  • Case back features figurative scene of a man and woman near an altar
  • Gold chatelaine with multi-strand chain assembly and ornamental enamel plaque
  • Attached winding key with matching blue enamel decoration

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution is currently unrecorded
  • Functional state of the internal movement is not specified
  • Exact regional origin within the stated date range remains unverified

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

Consulted source

Watch of gold, c. 1785 - c. 1800 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-NM-12852-A)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4bae9200a5

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch with chatelaine records