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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Men's silver-plated copper watch with key

Partially verified

This men's watch, held by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam under accession number BK-15027, is constructed from silver-plated copper. Dated by the institution to between circa 1800 and circa 1815, the horological instrument features two white enamelled dials. Each of these dials is equipped with three hands for time indication. The object measures 4.4 cm in diameter, with an overall depth of 2.4 cm and a total length of 10.3 cm. As a piece within the Rijksmuseum collection, it is classified under their jewellery and watch category. The physical construction utilizes a silvering technique over a copper base metal. The item remains documented as a singular piece of equipment within the museum's historical records, serving as a material example of early 19th-century portable timekeeping devices.

Front view of the silver-plated copper pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial and suspension loop.
Front view of the silver-plated copper pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial and suspension loop. — 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-15027
Source-reported date
c. 1800 - c. 1815
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

Construction and Materials

The object is manufactured from copper, which has been finished with a silvering technique to create a silver-plated appearance. The casing is circular and features a suspension bow or loop, allowing it to be carried on a cord or chain. The dimensions are specified as 4.4 cm in diameter and 2.4 cm in depth, providing a compact profile for a pocket-carried instrument.

The dial assembly consists of two white enamelled faces. Each dial features a set of three hands to indicate the time. The presence of these dual dials is noted in the museum documentation, though the precise arrangement of these faces is not fully detailed in the provided descriptive text beyond the inclusion of three hands per dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Men's watch of silver-plated copper”
  • “two white enamelled dials”
  • “technique silvering”

Historical Context and Provenance

The watch is held in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the inventory number BK-15027. The institution attributes the dating of the object to the period between circa 1800 and circa 1815. This dating places the object within the early 19th century, a time during which silver-plated copper was used for personal items of this nature.

The source documentation relies on the museum's provided data, which classifies the object within the broader category of jewellery and timekeepers. No other specific provenance details, such as original ownership or maker marks, have been supplied by the museum record.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15027”
  • “c. 1800 - c. 1815”

Components and Accessories

In addition to the watch case and dial assembly, the object includes an original winding key. This key is physically connected to the watch via a cord. The winding arbor is visible on the dial, which is the standard method for transferring kinetic energy to the internal mainspring in watches of this historical era.

The physical state of the dial shows visible signs of age. There is clear evidence of discoloration and material wear around the circumference of the enamel dial where it meets the metal casing, which is consistent with the age attributed to the object by the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “With an accompanying key on a cord.”
  • “On both dials are 3 hands.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific internal movement configuration and escapement type housed within the case?
  • Are there any identifiable maker marks or hallmarks stamped on the interior of the case or on the movement plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Men's silver-plated copper watch with key
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialcopper (metal), silver (metal)“copper (metal), silver (metal)”
Techniquesilvering“technique silvering”
Accession numberBK-15027“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15027”
Dimensions4.4 cm diameter, 2.4 cm depth“diameter 4.4 cm x height 6.3 cm x width 4.4 cm x depth 2.4 cm x length 10.3 cm”
DialsTwo white enamelled dials“two white enamelled dials”
ComponentsIncludes a key on a cord“With an accompanying key on a cord.”
Datec. 1800 - c. 1815“c. 1800 - c. 1815”

Visible details

  • Circular case with suspension loop at the top
  • White enamel dial with dark Arabic numerals
  • Winding arbor visible on the dial face
  • Evidence of surface oxidation or wear around the dial edges

Research qualifications

  • The maker and specific place of manufacture are not identified in the source documentation
  • The exact internal movement mechanism and escapement type are not described or visible in the available imagery

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

Consulted source

Men's watch of silver-plated copper with key

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b09e8b7e08

Terms in this record

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

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