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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair-case watch

Pair-case watch by Ben Booth

Partially verified

This pair-case watch is attributed to the maker Ben Booth, who was active in London around 1780. The object is catalogued as a pair-case watch, indicating it consists of an inner watch case and a secondary outer protective shell. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the item under accession number 17.190.1429a, b. Materials utilized in its construction include silver, tortoiseshell, and gilt-metal. The watch measures 2 1/4 inches (5.7 cm) in diameter. The dial features an engraved design and is signed by the maker. The outer case is decorated with an inlaid pattern depicting a building and landscape. Documentation provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art confirms the materials and general physical specifications of this specific horological specimen, which serves as the primary reference for this catalogued object.

The watch shown in its outer case, featuring decorative inlay and the accession number.
The watch shown in its outer case, featuring decorative inlay and the accession number. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pair-case watch
Maker / attribution
Ben Booth
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1429a, b
Source-reported date
ca. 1780
Source-reported place
British

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 Appearance

The object is constructed as a pair-case watch, a configuration where an inner case containing the movement is protected by an outer secondary case. The external appearance of the outer case is characterized by the use of tortoiseshell, which acts as a base for inlaid decorative elements. The inlay work depicts a scene containing a building and trees, enclosed within a pattern of foliage or repeat elements.

The dial surface is composed of metal and features engraved numerals and decorative scrollwork.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pair-case watch made by Ben Booth”

Maker and Attribution

The watch is attributed to Ben Booth, who operated in London. Historical records indicate he was active around 1780, which serves as the primary dating for this piece. The Metropolitan Museum of Art documents the watch within its European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.

As a London-made watch, the object aligns with the horological output of the British capital during the late 18th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Ben Booth (British, active ca. 1780)”

Physical Dimensions and Museum Documentation

The watch has a recorded diameter of 2 1/4 inches, equivalent to approximately 5.7 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired the object as part of a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is catalogued under the object number 17.190.1429a, b, which covers both the inner and outer components.

The materials are identified as a combination of silver for the inner components or casings, tortoiseshell for the outer protective layer, and gilt-metal elements. All details provided, including the dimensions and composition, are derived from the documentation provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement configuration housed within the inner silver case?
  • Are there English hallmarks on the silver inner case that could provide a more precise date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pair-case watch by Ben Booth
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBen Booth“Watchmaker: Ben Booth (British, active ca. 1780)”
Dateca. 1780“ca. 1780”
MaterialsSilver, tortoiseshell, gilt-metal“Silver, tortoiseshell, gilt-metal”
Diameter2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)“Diameter: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)”
Accession number17.190.1429a, b“17.190.1429a, b”
Maker locationLondon“British, London”

Visible details

  • Outer case features an inlaid scene of a structure and landscape
  • The dial is engraved with 'Booth' and 'Fecit'
  • The watch includes an inner case and a protective outer case

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent to which this object represents the wider type has not been verified
  • The active dates of the maker are given as approximately 1780

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

Consulted source

Pair-case watch by Ben Booth, British, London, ca. 1780

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 04b9bca142

Terms in this record

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

Other pair-case watch records