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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Octagonal watch

Octagonal Watch by J. Tramieri

Partially verified

This octagonal watch is attributed to the maker J. Tramieri, who was recorded in 1600, and is dated to approximately 1630. Produced in Turin, Italy, the timepiece is constructed from a combination of rock crystal, gilded brass, partially blued steel, and silver. The object measures 2 by 1 1/2 by 7/8 inches (5.1 by 3.8 by 2.2 cm). It is part of the collection held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is classified under European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. The watch exhibits a distinct octagonal form with a hinged crystal cover and decorative engraving on the movement plate and dial. The signed signature "J. Tramieri A Turin" is visible on the inner plate of the movement, which features engraved floral patterns and an exposed balance assembly.

The watch displayed with its rock crystal cover open, showing the engraved dial and the movement plate signature.
The watch displayed with its rock crystal cover open, showing the engraved dial and the movement plate signature. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Octagonal watch
Maker / attribution
J. Tramieri
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1419
Source-reported date
ca. 1630
Source-reported place
Italy

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

Case and Dial Construction

The watch is housed in an octagonal case featuring a hinged rock crystal cover, which allows visibility of the dial while closed. The dial itself is decorated with intricate engravings, including a central floral arrangement and a cherubic figure positioned near the top of the dial plate. The chapter ring features Roman numerals for the hours.

The materials used in the construction include rock crystal, gilded brass, and silver.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rock crystal; gilded brass; steel, partly blued; silver”
  • “2 × 1 1/2 × 7/8 in. (5.1 × 3.8 × 2.2 cm)”

Movement and Signature

The interior of the watch contains a movement that is visibly signed "J. Tramieri A Turin" on the main plate. The plate is engraved with detailed floral and scrollwork designs consistent with the decorative language applied to the dial.

Visible mechanical elements include blued steel components and an exposed balance assembly. The arrangement of the movement components shows evidence of hand-finishing, with engraving extending across the plates surrounding the barrel and balance wheel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: J. Tramieri (Italian, recorded 1600)”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch is documented as accession number 17.190.1419 within the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It entered the collection as part of a 1917 gift from J. Pierpont Morgan.

The record is maintained as an individual museum object. No catalogue references are currently associated with this specific item in the provided source material, and research into the maker's wider portfolio is noted as a requirement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1419”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical context of the Turin watchmaking tradition in the early 17th century?
  • Do surviving examples of J. Tramieri's work share the same octagonal case configuration and decorative program?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Octagonal Watch by J. Tramieri
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. Tramieri“Watchmaker: J. Tramieri (Italian, recorded 1600)”
Dateca. 1630“Date recorded ca. 1630”
Dimensions2 × 1 1/2 × 7/8 in. (5.1 × 3.8 × 2.2 cm)“2 × 1 1/2 × 7/8 in. (5.1 × 3.8 × 2.2 cm)”
MaterialsRock crystal; gilded brass; steel, partly blued; silver“Rock crystal; gilded brass; steel, partly blued; silver”
CollectionThe Metropolitan Museum of Art“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1419”
ProvenanceGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Visible details

  • Octagonal case shape with faceted crystal cover
  • Engraved dial featuring a central floral motif and cherub detail
  • Signed movement plate bearing 'J. Tramieri A Turin'
  • Exposed balance wheel and blued steel components within the movement

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance beyond the 1917 gift remains unspecified
  • The wider type of this timepiece requires additional horological verification

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

Consulted source

Watch by J. Tramieri, Italian, Turin, ca. 1630

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 08e56ff65b

Terms in this record

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

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