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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Octagonal watch

Octagonal Crystal Watch with Chatelaine

Partially verified

This watch is an octagonal timepiece constructed primarily from crystal, specifically lead glass, with gilded metal accents. The watch contains an oval movement and is associated with a decorative chatelaine featuring four small chains, described in the source as neo-Rococo in style. The object is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the inventory number BK-VBR-362-A. The overall length of the object is recorded as 20.7 cm. The provenance and specific mechanical features of this watch remain subject to further research as indicated by the museum's documentation.

Front view of the octagonal crystal watch showing the engraved dial and suspension loop.
Front view of the octagonal crystal watch showing the engraved dial and suspension loop. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Octagonal watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-VBR-362-A
Source-reported date
c. 1625 - c. 1650
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 Materiality

The object is built around a central octagonal housing constructed from lead glass crystal. The structure is supported by a gilded metal framework that connects the various panels of the crystal case. The internal movement is described as oval, which contrasts with the octagonal geometry of the outer crystal casing.

Attached to the primary housing is a neo-Rococo style chatelaine. This accessory includes four small chains that facilitate the carrying or suspension of the watch. The combination of crystal and gilded metal defines the physical profile of the object, resulting in a recorded total length of 20.7 centimeters.

Evidence for this section
  • “Octagonal crystal watch with an oval movement.”
  • “Attached to the watch is a neo-Rococo chatelaine with four small chains.”
  • “material recorded as crystal (lead glass); technique gild”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is catalogued by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the unique museum object number BK-VBR-362-A. The current record is based on translations of the institution's official Dutch catalogue entry. The documentation provided confirms the object's presence in a public collection.

The dating of the object is estimated by the museum to fall within the period of 1625 to 1650. While the physical dimensions and materials are established in the institutional record, specific details regarding the watchmaker, exact place of production, and movement caliber remain undocumented in the provided source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-VBR-362-A”
  • “Watch, c. 1625 - c. 1650”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Visual Features

The dial of the watch is presented within the octagonal aperture. It features engraved decorations, which appear as delicate floral or scrolling patterns covering the visible surface of the dial plate. The chapter ring is integrated into this pattern, featuring Roman numerals for the hour markers.

The suspension assembly at the top of the watch consists of a circular gilded loop, allowing it to be attached to the chatelaine chains. The glass panels of the case allow for a view of the internal construction, and the gilded edges provide both structural reinforcement and aesthetic detail to the overall composition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Octagonal crystal watch with an oval movement.”
  • “Attached to the watch is a neo-Rococo chatelaine with four small chains.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber and escapement type used in this oval movement?
  • Is the neo-Rococo chatelaine original to the mid-17th-century watch, or is it a later addition?
  • Can the maker or the workshop responsible for this piece be identified through comparisons with other BK-VBR series objects?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Octagonal Crystal Watch with Chatelaine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum Inventory NumberBK-VBR-362-A“BK-VBR-362-A”
Total Length20.7 cm“length 20.7 cm”
Object Datec. 1625 - c. 1650“c. 1625 - c. 1650”
Museum ClassificationWrist watch / jewellery“wrist watch · jewellery”
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
Construction DetailsOctagonal crystal watch with oval movement“Octagonal crystal watch with an oval movement”

Visible details

  • Octagonal crystal housing with beveled panels
  • Engraved floral or foliate pattern on the dial plate
  • Gilded metal suspension ring and frame edges
  • Oval-shaped dial configuration

Research qualifications

  • Maker and exact place of origin are currently unconfirmed
  • The dating is approximate and spans a twenty-five-year interval
  • The relationship between the movement and the specific chatelaine is not fully detailed in the provided documentation

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

Consulted source

Watch, c. 1625 - c. 1650

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e88151925e

Terms in this record

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

Other octagonal watch records