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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Calendar pocket watch

James Tregent Multi-dialled Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This multi-dialled pocket watch, catalogued under ID ZAA0755 by Royal Museums Greenwich, is attributed to London clockmaker James Tregent and dated to circa 1790. According to museum documentation, the movement incorporates a cylinder escapement and is housed within a gilt metal pair case set with red and green paste stones. Intended for the Chinese market, such decorated timepieces were frequently bartered during trade negotiations. The white enamel dial is configured with multiple sub-dials indicating time, days of the week, and dates of the lunar or calendar month, alongside a lower seconds sub-dial and sweep hand.

Dial view of the James Tregent multi-dialled pocket watch with stone-set bezel
Dial view of the James Tregent multi-dialled pocket watch with stone-set bezel — National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Foulkes Collection. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rmg.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Calendar pocket watch
Maker / attribution
James Tregent
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ZAA0755
Source-reported date
circa 1790
Country
United Kingdom

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

Object Details and Provenance

Catalogued by the Royal Museums Greenwich as ID ZAA0755, this multi-dialled pocket watch is attributed to the London-based watchmaker James Tregent. Documentation indicates that Tregent served as a watchmaker to the Prince of Wales.

The object is dated to circa 1790. According to the museum records, the watch was produced for the Chinese market, a context in which such decorative timepieces were used in trade negotiations.

Evidence for this section
  • “It was made by London watchmaker James Tregent was maker to the Prince of Wales, future George IV.”
  • “This large and elaborately-decorated watch was made for the Chinese market, where such items were often bartered in trade negotiations.”
  • “Date made: circa 1790”

Construction and Materials

The timepiece incorporates a cylinder escapement. It is housed in a gilt metal pair case that is ornamented with red and green stones set around the bezel.

The museum's material metadata lists 'diamond' alongside metal, enamel, and glass, although the descriptive text specifies the use of 'paste stones'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Multi-dialled pocket watch with a cylinder escapement.”
  • “It is contained in a gilt metal pair case set with red and green paste stones.”
  • “Materials: Metal, enamel, glass, diamond”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a large white enamel dial. Observations of the piece indicate the inclusion of an upper Roman numeral time dial and a lower subsidiary seconds dial.

Two flanking subsidiary dials are present, positioned for the indication of days of the week and numbered calendar days. The case assembly includes a decorative top bow and a cylindrical pendant stem.

Evidence for this section
  • “Large white enamel dial bearing an upper Roman numeral time dial”
  • “Lower subsidiary dial marked with seconds divisions”
  • “Flanking subsidiary dials for days of the week (right) and numbered calendar days (left)”
  • “Hinged gilt metal case with decorative top bow and cylindrical pendant stem”

Open research questions

  • What specific component of the watch corresponds to the 'diamond' listing in the materials metadata?
  • Does the movement possess specific hallmarks or inscriptions beyond the external attribution to James Tregent?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James Tregent Multi-dialled Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
EscapementCylinder escapement“Multi-dialled pocket watch with a cylinder escapement.”
Case constructionGilt metal pair case set with red and green paste stones“It is contained in a gilt metal pair case set with red and green paste stones.”
Maker detailsJames Tregent, maker to the Prince of Wales“It was made by London watchmaker James Tregent was maker to the Prince of Wales, future George IV.”
Target marketChinese market“This large and elaborately-decorated watch was made for the Chinese market, where such items were often bartered in trade negotiations.”
Measurements115 x 90 x 35 mm“Measurements: Overall: 115 x 90 x 35 mm”
Measurements115 x 90 x 35 mm“Measurements: Overall: 115 x 90 x 35 mm”

Visible details

  • Circular bezel rim mounted with an alternating sequence of circular red and green paste stones
  • Large white enamel dial bearing an upper Roman numeral time dial
  • Lower subsidiary dial marked with seconds divisions
  • Flanking subsidiary dials for days of the week (right) and numbered calendar days (left)
  • Hinged gilt metal case with decorative top bow and cylindrical pendant stem

Research qualifications

  • Movement and outer reverse of the pair case are not visible in the photograph
  • Materials metadata lists 'diamond' alongside metal and glass, while textual description specifies 'paste stones'

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

Consulted source

1106 | Royal Museums Greenwich

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 725364576b

Terms in this record

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