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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch

Horloge van zilver

Partially verified

This silver wristwatch, held by the Rijksmuseum (accession number BK-1973-645-A), dates to approximately 1925. The object features an upright oval case design that flattens at the lugs. The silver construction is decorated with niello work, specifically utilizing angular meander patterns that vary in width, being wider at the top and bottom edges and tapering toward the center of the case sides. The watch is attached to a narrow leather strap, which includes a buckle made of base metal. The dimensions of the item are documented as 3.7 cm in height, 2.9 cm in width, 0.9 cm in depth, and a total length of 20 cm. The piece is classified within the museum’s collection under both wrist watch and jewellery categories. Documentation for this object is provided by the Rijksmuseum, which notes the primary materials as leather and silver.

Wristwatch of silver, c. 1925, held by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Wristwatch of silver, c. 1925, held by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-1973-645-A
Source-reported date
c. 1925
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 Decorative Technique

The watch features an upright oval case constructed from silver. The design is characterized by its flattened lug sections, which transition from the primary case body to the strap attachments. The surface treatment employs niello, a black metal alloy mixture used as an inlay on engraved metal.

The niello decoration follows an angular meander motif. This pattern is applied with varying width: it is significantly wider along the top and bottom edges of the watch case, and tapers toward the middle sections on the sides of the oval. The contrast between the dark niello and the silver surface defines the visual presentation of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Upright oval model, flattened at the lugs.”
  • “Niello work of angular meanders, wide at the lower and upper edges, narrowing toward the middle of the sides.”

Strap and Measurements

The timepiece is fitted with a narrow leather strap. The strap is described as being lined and features a buckle composed of base metal, rather than silver. The overall length of the watch, including the strap, is recorded as 20 cm.

According to the Rijksmuseum records, the dimensions of the watch case itself are 3.7 cm in height, 2.9 cm in width, and 0.9 cm in depth. These measurements describe the compact profile of the wristwatch as held in the collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Narrow leather strap, lined straps with a buckle of base metal.”
  • “height 3.7 cm x width 2.9 cm x depth 0.9 cm x length 20 cm”

Provenance and Collection Data

This object is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is officially catalogued under the object number BK-1973-645-A. The museum classifies the item under the categories of wrist watch and jewellery.

The technical data for the object, including its materials and dimensions, is drawn from the museum's own internal records. The entry is categorized as a documented piece supported by museum records, although the broader historical context or maker attribution remains to be established.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-1973-645-A”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement type and caliber housed within the silver niello case?
  • Does the case contain any hallmarks or maker's marks that would identify the silversmith or the watch manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Horloge van zilver
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum NumberBK-1973-645-A“BK-1973-645-A”
Datec. 1925“c. 1925”
MaterialSilver and leather“leather, silver (metal)”
TechniqueNiello“niello (technique)”
Dimensions3.7 cm x 2.9 cm x 0.9 cm“height 3.7 cm x width 2.9 cm x depth 0.9 cm”
StrapNarrow leather with base metal buckle“Narrow leather strap, lined straps with a buckle of base metal.”

Visible details

  • Upright oval case shape with flattened lug areas
  • Dark, contrasting niello decoration in angular meander motifs
  • Narrow dark leather strap with base metal buckle
  • Off-white or light-toned dial with Arabic numerals

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the wristwatch remains unidentified in the provided records.
  • The broader stylistic origins and specific horological specifications require further research.

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

Consulted source

Watch of silver, c. 1925

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0f7dc6c0c9

Terms in this record

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

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