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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Gold watch with engraved dial

Partially verified

This gold watch is held by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12871. Dated between approximately 1825 and 1875, the object is composed of gold, glass, and rubies. The design features a dial decorated with engraving and a double back for the case. The case back is adorned with chased foliage and embedded rubies placed under glass. The watch measures 4.2 cm in diameter. The item is classified within the museum's records as a type of wrist watch and jewellery. As the source material provides limited technical data, the specific movement type, escapement configuration, and maker identification remain unconfirmed. This object functions as a timekeeping device and is preserved in the museum collection. Its provenance and specific assembly details are limited to the provided museum documentation.

Front view of the gold watch showing the engraved dial, Roman numerals, and winding arbor.
Front view of the gold watch showing the engraved dial, Roman numerals, and winding arbor. — 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-12871
Source-reported date
c. 1825 - c. 1875
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 Aesthetics

The object is a gold-cased watch characterized by its decorative treatment. The watch features a double back case, a construction style designed to protect the internal mechanisms while providing a surface for ornamental display. The exterior of the case is finished with engraved patterns, and the back displays chased foliage designs.

Integrity is maintained by the inclusion of glass elements over the decorative components, which protect the chased foliage and the inset rubies. The overall form includes a pendant and a bow for attachment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with an engraved dial.”
  • “The double back of the case is decorated under the glass with chased foliage and rubies.”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The dial is constructed from gold and features a central engraved pattern. The hours are indicated by applied or engraved Roman numerals set against a circular track. The dial also includes a central winding hole, which allows access to the mainspring barrel through the front of the movement.

The hands are positioned centrally. Due to the lack of detailed internal imagery, the exact nature of the motion work and dial train remains defined only by the external evidence of the single visible winding arbor.

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

Documentation and Classification

The watch is documented by the Rijksmuseum under the accession number BK-NM-12871. The museum records classify the object under the headings of wrist watch and jewellery. These classifications are based on the museum's internal inventory systems.

The attribution of the date range to the period between 1825 and 1875 indicates an estimate based on the design and production style noted in the institutional record. No further manufacturer details or specific provenance histories are currently attributed to this object within the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12871”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical layout of the movement housed within the BK-NM-12871 gold case?
  • Does the inclusion of the watch under the 'wrist watch' classification imply original lug structures not visible in the current photo?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold watch with engraved dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12871”
Accession numberBK-NM-12871“BK-NM-12871”
Date rangec. 1825 - c. 1875“c. 1825 - c. 1875”
Primary materialsGold, glass, and rubies“ruby (mineral), gold (metal), glass”
Diameter4.2 cm“diameter 4.2 cm”
DecorationEngraving and chased foliage“Gold watch with an engraved dial. The double back of the case is decorated under the glass with chased foliage and rubies.”

Visible details

  • Engraved textured dial finish
  • Roman numeral hour indices
  • Single winding arbor visible on the dial
  • Pendant with suspension bow

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not identified in museum documentation
  • Specific movement specifications are currently unknown

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

Consulted source

Watch, c. 1825 - c. 1875 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-NM-12871)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d46d80fc77

Terms in this record

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

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