Pocket watch · Pocket watch
This men's watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (accession number BK-15087), dates to circa 1760. The object is constructed with two distinct cases designed for protection and decorative display. The inner gold case features chased relief detailing. Encasing this is an outer protective case covered in snakeskin. The dimensions of the components are specified by the museum with a 5.2 cm diameter for the outer case, 4.5 cm for the gold case, and 3.9 cm for the watch movement enclosure. The total height of the assembly is 6.1 cm with a depth of 2.6 cm. It is classified by the museum as a piece of jewellery, although it functions as a pocket timepiece rather than a wristwatch.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
An inner gold case, which contains the movement and dial, is decorated with chased relief work. This inner housing is designed to fit inside a larger, secondary outer case.
The protective outer case is distinguished by its surface material, which is identified as snakeskin.
The watch face features an enamel dial characterized by a clear separation between hour and minute indicators. The primary hour track is marked with Roman numerals, while a peripheral track provides Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals for precise time reading.
The time is indicated by a pair of central, ornate, pierced hands.
The watch is documented by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the inventory number BK-15087. While the museum's internal records categorize the object under the broader heading of jewellery, the physical characteristics define it as a portable pocket watch with a secondary protective case.
The museum record provides precise measurements for each component of the assembly, confirming the diameter of the outer case as 5.2 cm and the inner gold case as 4.5 cm. These measurements are integral to the identification of the object within the institution's collection database.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Holding Institution | Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam | “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15087” |
| Accession Number | BK-15087 | “BK-15087” |
| Date | c. 1760 | “c. 1760” |
| Materials | Snakeskin and gold | “Men's watch of gold, with 2 separate cases. In an outer case covered with snakeskin rests a gold case with chased relief.” |
| Outer case diameter | 5.2 cm | “diameter 5.2 cm” |
| Inner case diameter | 4.5 cm | “diameter 4.5 cm” |
| Movement enclosure diameter | 3.9 cm | “diameter 3.9 cm” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a56324f7c8
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
