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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Gold pocket watch

Gold watch

Partially verified

The gold watch, identified as object BK-NM-12829 in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, is a gold-cased timepiece featuring an enamelled dial. The construction includes an outer case decorated with a repoussé scene, which portrays a warrior holding a shield in the presence of a woman situated on a throne. The watch exhibits a diameter of 3.4 cm for the movement casing and an overall diameter of 4.1 cm for the outer housing, with a total depth of 1.8 cm and a height of 5.2 cm, including the pendant. The piece is attributed to a broad chronological window between approximately 1740 and 1860. The dial is equipped with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, arranged in a distinctive border.

View of the watch, showing the enamelled dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute track.
View of the watch, showing the enamelled dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute track. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Gold pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12829
Source-reported date
c. 1740 - c. 1860
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 Decoration

The timepiece is housed in a gold case featuring a repoussé cover.

The specific imagery depicted on the outer case shows a narrative scene involving two primary figures. A warrior, identified by the presence of a shield, is positioned before a woman seated upon a throne. This decorative motif is contained within the gold structure of the outer watch case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with enamelled dial.”
  • “In the outer case is a repoussé scene of a warrior with a shield before a woman on a throne.”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The watch features a white enamelled dial. It uses a dual-numbering system for tracking time. Primary markers consist of standard Roman numerals indicating the hours, displayed in a classic inner circular arrangement.

The periphery of the dial includes an additional track with Arabic numerals positioned at five-minute intervals.

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

Museum Provenance and Documentation

This object is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where it is formally catalogued under the identifier BK-NM-12829. The institution classifies the item as both jewellery and a watch.

The provided documentation notes a production window spanning from 1740 to 1860. The physical dimensions of the object are recorded as 3.4 cm for the internal watch and 4.1 cm for the outer case diameter, with an overall depth of 1.8 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12829”
  • “Museum classification jewellery · wrist watch”
  • “Period c. 1740 - c. 1860”

Open research questions

  • Can the date range be narrowed through examination of the movement type or hallmarks on the case?
  • Is there a known iconographic source for the repoussé scene featuring the warrior and the woman on a throne?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgold (metal)“gold (metal)”
Diameter (watch)3.4 cm“diameter 3.4 cm”
Diameter (outer case)4.1 cm“diameter 4.1 cm”
Height5.2 cm“height 5.2 cm”
Depth1.8 cm“depth 1.8 cm”
Museum numberBK-NM-12829“BK-NM-12829”
Decorationrepoussé scene“In the outer case is a repoussé scene of a warrior with a shield before a woman on a throne.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals
  • Outer ring on dial features Arabic numerals in five-minute increments
  • Gilt metal decorative hands with filigree-style design
  • Repoussé scene on the exterior of the outer case

Research qualifications

  • The broad date range of 1740-1860 suggests the piece remains subject to further chronological refinement.
  • The identity of the maker is not documented in the provided museum record.

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

Consulted source

Gold watch, c. 1740 - c. 1860

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record dc1001a15b

Terms in this record

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

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