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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Noel Hubert Watch

Partially verified

This early 17th-century watch was produced in France by the watchmaker Noel Hubert. The object is constructed from silver and gilt brass, featuring extensive engraving and piercing on its exterior surfaces. The case measures approximately 7.4 cm in height, 5.2 cm in width, and 3.1 cm in depth. The provenance of the object is linked to the collection of the politician and art collector Ralph Bernal, who acquired numerous antiquities throughout his life. Following Bernal's death in 1855, his collection was auctioned, and the watch was purchased for the Museum of Ornamental Art at Marlborough House, which later became the Victoria and Albert Museum. The design incorporates intricate decorative motifs and allegorical imagery engraved onto the metal surfaces of the watch case, consistent with its manufacturing period.

Exterior and dial view of the early 17th-century silver and gilt brass watch by Noel Hubert.
Exterior and dial view of the early 17th-century silver and gilt brass watch by Noel Hubert. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Noel Hubert
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2363-1855
Source-reported date
early 17th century
Source-reported place
France

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 Design

The watch is crafted from silver and gilt brass, materials frequently utilized in horological cases of its era. The exterior exhibits elaborate engraving and piercing techniques, characterized by ornate patterns and figural scenes.

Visible in the photography, the dial plate is engraved with detailed landscape and architectural scenes that surround a dark circular chapter ring. A single hand is mounted at the center, indicating the time against the hour markers on the ring. The internal mechanisms, while partially obscured, are housed within the metal case, which also features an engraved hinged cover depicting various scenes, including allegorical or symbolic representations.

Evidence for this section
  • “watch of engraved and pierced silver and gilt brass, signed 'Noel Hubert A Rouen', France, early 17th century”
  • “Dimensions: Height: 7.4 cm; Width: 5.2 cm; Depth: 3.1 cm”

Provenance and History

This watch was part of the collection of Ralph Bernal (1783–1854), a British politician and collector. Bernal amassed a vast collection of decorative arts during his lifetime, which was later dispersed at a major auction in 1855 following his death.

The items acquired from the Bernal collection, including this watch, subsequently moved to the South Kensington Museum, which eventually became the Victoria and Albert Museum. The source documentation identifies this object by the accession number 2363-1855, confirming its status as one of the pieces acquired during the initial acquisition of Bernal's collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Purchased at the auction by Christie's of the collection of Ralph Bernal (1783-1854), politician and art collector, in 1855.”
  • “730 lots were acquired for Marlborough House (Anthony Burton, Vision & Accident, V&A Publications, 1999, p. 34).”
  • “Accession number: 2363-1855”

Marks and Inscriptions

The inscription 'Noel Hubert A Rouen' is present, identifying the maker and the city of origin as Rouen, France. This signature is consistent with the attribution of the watch to 17th-century French production.

No further serial numbers or additional maker marks are cited in the museum description, although the piece is catalogued specifically under its accession number, 2363-1855. The inscription remains the primary identifier of the piece's historical attribution and manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed 'Noel Hubert A Rouen'”
  • “Place of origin: France (made)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific internal movement configuration of this Noel Hubert watch?
  • Are there similar extant timepieces by Noel Hubert that confirm his activity in 17th-century Rouen?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Noel Hubert Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerNoel Hubert (watchmaker)“Maker: Hubert, Noel (watchmaker)”
Dateearly 17th century“Date: early 17th century”
Place of originFrance“Place of origin: France (made)”
DimensionsHeight: 7.4 cm; Width: 5.2 cm; Depth: 3.1 cm“Dimensions: Height: 7.4 cm; Width: 5.2 cm; Depth: 3.1 cm”
SignatureNoel Hubert A Rouen“signed 'Noel Hubert A Rouen'”
Materialengraved and pierced silver and gilt brass“engraved and pierced silver and gilt brass”
ProvenanceRalph Bernal collection“Purchased at the auction by Christie's of the collection of Ralph Bernal (1783-1854), politician and art collector, in 1855.”

Visible details

  • Case features heavily engraved and pierced metalwork
  • Dial surface is engraved with landscape and architectural scenes
  • Signed with 'Noel Hubert A Rouen'
  • Single-hand time display on a dark metal chapter ring

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture within the early 17th century remains unverified
  • The functional state of the movement is not documented in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 8f80f815e7

Terms in this record

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

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