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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pierre Debaufré gold filigree watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 17.190.1608a, b. Attributed to the watchmaker Pierre Debaufré, who was active between approximately 1689 and 1722, the object itself is dated to circa 1650. The watch is constructed primarily of gold filigree and enamel. It measures 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. The watch was gifted to the museum by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is classified within the museum's Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. The current documentation notes the watch as a single museum object, with ongoing research required to confirm its wider horological context, maker attribution, and original specifications relative to the provided identification.

A view of the watch's gold filigree case exterior showing the radial wirework design.
A view of the watch's gold filigree case exterior showing the radial wirework design. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Pierre Debaufré
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1608a, b
Source-reported date
ca. 1650
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

Case and Exterior Construction

The case of this watch is manufactured using gold filigree. The exterior presents a radial arrangement of delicate wirework that covers the entirety of the case, converging at a central point.

Attached to the top of the case is a small circular suspension ring. This feature indicates the watch was designed to be worn as a pendant. The intricate, porous nature of the gold filigree casing allows for the visibility of the internal components through the pattern.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold filigree, enamel”
  • “Diameter: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)”

Dial and Time Display

The watch is fitted with an enamel dial. The dial layout includes a circular chapter ring, which is marked with Roman numerals indicating the hours. The numerals are presented in a standard orientation around the perimeter.

A central aperture exists within the enamel dial. This opening provides a view into the center of the movement, which is situated directly beneath the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold filigree, enamel”

Provenance and Documentation

This object is part of the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It was acquired by the institution as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is currently categorized under the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.

The museum identifies the maker as Pierre Debaufré, citing an active period of approximately 1689–1722, though the object is dated to circa 1650. Current records suggest that further verification is necessary to reconcile the maker's dates with the date of manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1608a, b.”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917.”
  • “Watchmaker: Pierre Debaufré (French, ca. 1689–1722)”
  • “dated ca. 1650”

Open research questions

  • What is the horological basis for attributing this watch to Pierre Debaufré given the discrepancy between his known career dates and the dated object?
  • Does the internal movement contain any hallmarks or signatures that confirm the attribution to Pierre Debaufré?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pierre Debaufré gold filigree watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPierre Debaufré“Watchmaker: Pierre Debaufré (French, ca. 1689–1722)”
Dateca. 1650“dated ca. 1650”
Dimensions1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm) diameter“Diameter: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)”
MaterialsGold filigree, enamel“Medium Gold filigree, enamel”
Museum Number17.190.1608a, b“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1608a, b.”
Credit LineGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917.”
DepartmentEuropean Sculpture and Decorative Arts“Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.”

Visible details

  • The case exterior is decorated with extensive filigree work in a radial pattern.
  • The dial features a circular enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals.
  • A small suspension ring is attached to the top of the case for use as a pendant.
  • The dial contains a centered opening providing visibility into the movement.

Research qualifications

  • The attribution to Pierre Debaufré requires further verification against horological references.
  • The date of circa 1650 precedes the maker's recorded period of activity (1689–1722), suggesting a possible discrepancy.
  • The wider classification and specifications of this object have not been independently verified beyond museum records.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Pierre Debaufré, French, Paris, ca. 1650

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d09984bc65

Terms in this record

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

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