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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer

Pocket chronometer by François Czapek

Partially verified

This pocket chronometer is attributed to the watchmaker François Czapek, active in Geneva, Switzerland. It is dated to approximately 1850–1855. The object measures 2 1/2 by 1 3/4 by 1/2 inches, with a plate diameter of 1 9/16 inches. The construction comprises a gold case featuring partial enamel decoration and a white enamel dial with gold hands. The internal movement is manufactured from gilded brass and steel. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the watch under the accession number 1983.183.5. The movement is signed, and the watch remains in the collection of the museum as part of the Bequest of Vladimir M. Eitingon. The piece functions as a timekeeping instrument, classified within the museum's records as a watch.

View of the exterior of the pocket chronometer showing the enameled portrait case back.
View of the exterior of the pocket chronometer showing the enameled portrait case back. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
François Czapek
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1983.183.5
Source-reported date
ca. 1850–55
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Materials

The pocket chronometer is constructed with a case of gold, which is embellished with partial enamel work. The exterior design features a pictorial enamel panel. The dial is composed of white enamel and is fitted with gold-toned hands to display the time.

The interior movement is made from a combination of gilded brass and steel components. It is arranged in a bridge configuration. The overall physical dimensions of the object are recorded as 2 1/2 by 1 3/4 by 1/2 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: partly enameled gold”
  • “Dial: white enamel with gold hands”
  • “Movement: gilded brass and steel”

Signatures and Identification

The movement is signed with the mark 'CZAPEK ET CIE A GENEVE', which links the watch to the workshop of François Czapek. The identification of the maker is provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which classifies the individual as Bohemian by origin, active until before 1895.

The piece is catalogued under the accession number 1983.183.5. This record reflects the museum's internal documentation of the item as a pocket chronometer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: François Czapek (Bohemian, 1811–before 1895)”
  • “Museum object number 1983.183.5”

Provenance

The object is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was acquired as part of the Bequest of Vladimir M. Eitingon. The donation was made in memory of the benefactor's parents, Michail and Betty Eitingon, in 1982.

The piece remains in the museum's collection and has been made available for digital research via the institution's online collection database.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bequest of Vladimir M. Eitingon, in memory of his parents, Michail and Betty Eitingon, 1982”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the figure depicted in the enamel work on the case?
  • Does the movement possess any specific chronometric escapement features beyond the label in the museum record?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket chronometer by François Czapek
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFrançois Czapek“Watchmaker: François Czapek (Bohemian, 1811–before 1895)”
Dateca. 1850–55“ca. 1850–55”
Object number1983.183.5“1983.183.5”
Case materialGold, enamel“Case: partly enameled gold”
Dial materialWhite enamel“Dial: white enamel with gold hands”
Movement materialGilded brass, steel“Movement: gilded brass and steel”
Dimensions6.4 x 4.4 x 1.3 cm“Overall: 2 1/2 × 1 3/4 × 1/2 in. (6.4 × 4.4 × 1.3 cm)”
OriginGeneva, Switzerland“from Swiss, Geneva”

Visible details

  • Enamelled portrait of a uniformed figure on the case back
  • Roman numeral hour markers on a white enamel dial
  • Gilded brass bridge-style movement
  • Signature 'CZAPEK ET CIE A GENEVE' on the movement

Research qualifications

  • The specific horological classification as a 'chronometer' relies on the museum record
  • The identity of the portrait on the enameled case is not documented in the provided source

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

Consulted source

Pocket chronometer, François Czapek, ca. 1850–55

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c20b155f1f

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket chronometer records