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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gold watch with enamelled depiction of two women by a cradle

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under the accession number BK-VBR-359. The object features a decorative case adorned with an enamelled depiction of two women standing by a cradle. The timepiece is accompanied by a matching medallion and a winding key. The physical construction comprises gold metal, with a case diameter measuring 5 cm. Additional dimensions for the complete assembly include a length of 11.4 cm, a height of 7 cm, a width of 5 cm, and a depth of 1.9 cm. The provided records identify the object as a gold watch that integrates elements of jewellery, though the broader horological context and specific dating beyond the general museum range remain subject to further research and verification against established institutional catalogs or horological databases.

The obverse of the gold watch showing the dial, the signature 'Chevalier et Comp.', and the attached gold medallion.
The obverse of the gold watch showing the dial, the signature 'Chevalier et Comp.', and the attached gold medallion. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Chevalier et Comp.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-VBR-359
Source-reported date
c. 1400 - c. 1950
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 timepiece is constructed from gold and is characterized by a circular case featuring an enamelled scene on the exterior. The enamel depicts two women situated by a cradle, serving as the primary decorative element of the watch. The case is accompanied by an auxiliary medallion, which acts as a suspension element, connected by a ring to the watch pendant.

The dial is finished in white enamel and is marked with Arabic numerals for the hours. The outer circumference of the dial is decorated with a fine blue and white enamel border pattern. The signature 'CHEVALIER ET COMP.' is clearly inscribed on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with medallion and key.”
  • “On the case an enamelled depiction of two women by a cradle.”

Provenance and Collection

The object is part of the permanent collection held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is assigned the unique museum identifier BK-VBR-359. The object was documented within the museum's digital records, which provide the primary material and dimensional data for the watch.

While the museum provides the technical measurements of the piece, the broader historical context or manufacturer biography for 'Chevalier et Comp.' is not detailed in the provided source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-VBR-359”

Technical Dimensions

The watch adheres to specific measurements as recorded by the museum. The diameter of the watch itself is 5 cm, while the depth measures 1.9 cm. The total assembly, when measured with its associated components, reaches a length of 11.4 cm.

These measurements are noted as part of the formal identification of the object within the collection database. The width and height of the assembly are listed consistently as 5 cm and 7 cm respectively, suggesting a compact design despite the addition of the medallion.

Evidence for this section
  • “geheel: lengte 11,4 cm”
  • “diameter 5 cm x height 7 cm x width 5 cm x depth 1.9 cm”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical identity and location of the workshop 'Chevalier et Comp.'?
  • Does the watch movement survive inside the case, and does it possess any specific hallmarks or serial numbers not visible in the current photograph?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold watch with enamelled depiction of two women by a cradle
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum object numberBK-VBR-359“BK-VBR-359”
Materialgold (metal)“gold (metal)”
DimensionsDiameter 5 cm“diameter 5 cm”
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”

Visible details

  • Enamelled dial signed 'Chevalier et Comp.'
  • Gold watch case with associated medallion and winding key
  • Winding hole visible on the right side of the dial
  • Blue and white patterned enamel border around the dial

Research qualifications

  • The dating of 'c. 1400 - c. 1950' is an extremely broad range provided by the source, likely reflecting an internal museum cataloging system rather than a specific chronological attribution.
  • The maker 'Chevalier et Comp.' is listed on the dial but no specific historical details or attribution verification are provided in the source text.

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

Consulted source

Watch with an enamelled depiction of two women by a cradle

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record effdc1375c

Terms in this record

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

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