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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Men's copper watch, Rijksmuseum BK-15054

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (BK-15054), is dated to approximately 1840–1860. The object is constructed from copper. The dial is characterized by an enamelled surface featuring a white central roundel that displays Arabic hour numerals and intricate pierced hands. The dial surround is decorated with a detailed miniature painting depicting a river landscape, which includes architectural elements such as houses and a windmill with rotating sails. The design incorporates decorative foliate motifs in blue and gold enamel. Measuring 5.5 cm in diameter, the watch is fitted with a simple suspension ring at the top. The museum classification currently identifies this item as a 'wrist watch' and item of 'jewellery', though its form is consistent with that of a traditional pocket watch.

Front view of the copper watch showing the enamelled dial with landscape scene and Arabic hour numerals.
Front view of the copper watch showing the enamelled dial with landscape scene and Arabic hour numerals. — 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-15054
Source-reported date
c. 1840 - 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

Dial and Exterior Design

The watch features a distinctive enamelled dial layout. The primary timekeeping function is contained within a white circular roundel situated in the upper portion of the dial, marked with Arabic hour numerals. The hands are ornate and pierced, set against a background that transitions into a decorative scene.

The remaining space on the dial is occupied by an enamelled landscape of a riverbank. This scene includes depictions of houses and a windmill featuring rotating sails. The periphery of the dial is finished with blue enamel borders and decorative gold-toned foliate scrollwork, framing the central time display.

Evidence for this section
  • “enamelled dial featuring Arabic hour numerals inside a white roundel”
  • “Surrounding it is a river landscape with houses and a windmill with rotating sails”

Material and Physical Specifications

According to the Rijksmuseum accession records, the watch casing is composed of copper metal. The construction is solid, as indicated by the recorded depth of 2.2 cm and a total diameter of 5.5 cm.

The object is equipped with a singular circular suspension ring at the apex of the case, allowing for attachment to a chain or fob. The overall dimensions are reported as 5.5 cm in diameter, 7.8 cm in height, and 5.5 cm in width.

Evidence for this section
  • “material recorded as copper (metal)”
  • “diameter 5.5 cm x height 7.8 cm x width 5.5 cm x depth 2.2 cm”

Institutional Provenance and Identification

The object is catalogued by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the identification number BK-15054. The institution categorizes this watch as a piece of jewellery and notes its classification as a wrist watch.

The dating of the object is provided by the museum as circa 1840 to 1860.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15054”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”
  • “c. 1840 - c. 1860”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical internal configuration of watch BK-15054?
  • Does the museum's classification as a 'wrist watch' imply the presence of original lugs or a conversion history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Men's copper watch, Rijksmuseum BK-15054
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum Object NumberBK-15054“BK-15054”
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15054”
MaterialCopper“material recorded as copper (metal)”
Datingc. 1840 - c. 1860“c. 1840 - c. 1860”
Diameter5.5 cm“diameter 5.5 cm”
Depth2.2 cm“depth 2.2 cm”

Visible details

  • Dial features a central white roundel with black Arabic numerals.
  • Enamel work includes a landscape scene with a windmill and river.
  • Case material appears to be copper or a copper-based alloy.
  • Foliate decorative elements integrated into the blue enamel surround.

Research qualifications

  • Museum classification as a 'wrist watch' requires verification against physical examination.
  • Maker and exact place of manufacture remain unconfirmed by the provided source.

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

Consulted source

Men's watch, c. 1840 - c. 1860

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ff0a8b62ec

Terms in this record

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

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