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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pocket watch by David Lestourgeon

Partially verified

This silver pocket watch is attributed to the London-based watchmaker David Lestourgeon, dating to approximately 1702. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the object as accession number 17.190.1504a, b. The watch construction comprises a pair of silver cases and a champlevé silver dial. The dial displays an intricate floral pattern at the center, surrounded by an outer chapter ring for minutes and an inner chapter ring for hours, featuring Roman numerals. The signature 'LESTOURGEON LONDON' is inscribed on the dial plate at the base. The piece measures 2 1/8 inches in diameter. The overall design features decorative scrollwork integrated into the dial plate.

Front view of the silver pocket watch showing the champlevé dial and signature, held in its case.
Front view of the silver pocket watch showing the champlevé dial and signature, held in its case. — 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 · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
David Lestourgeon
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1504a, b
Source-reported date
ca. 1702
Source-reported place
British, London

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

The exterior surfaces appear smooth, consistent with a protective outer casing, while the inner case provides the primary structure for the watch dial and movement.

The dial is constructed of champlevé silver. It features an inner chapter ring with Roman numerals for hours and an outer ring for minutes. The center of the dial is decorated with an engraved floral design, surrounded by further scrollwork engraving across the lower portion of the dial plate, where the maker's name is located.

Evidence for this section
  • “Outer and inner cases: silver; Dial: champlevé silver”

Signatures and Attribution

The object is signed 'LESTOURGEON LONDON' on the lower section of the dial plate. The source attributes this work to David Lestourgeon, a maker associated with the Clockmakers' Company in London, recorded as active from 1698 until his death in 1731.

This attribution is supported by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which maintains the watch as part of its permanent collection. The dating of the piece to approximately 1702 aligns with the period of Lestourgeon's professional activity in London.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: David Lestourgeon (Clockmakers' Company 1698, died 1731)”

Physical Dimensions and Status

The watch has a recorded diameter of 2 1/8 inches, equivalent to 5.4 centimeters. It is catalogued under the accession number 17.190.1504a, b, indicating the dual-component nature of the pair-case construction.

The object is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, having been gifted to the institution by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The documentation provided confirms the materials and general identification of the watch as a museum specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter: 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)”
  • “Museum object number 17.190.1504a, b”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

  • Does the internal movement retain original components consistent with 1702 production?
  • Are there additional hallmarking details on the inner or outer cases that could further refine the date or origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch by David Lestourgeon
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDavid Lestourgeon“Watchmaker: David Lestourgeon (Clockmakers' Company 1698, died 1731)”
Dateca. 1702“dated ca. 1702”
MaterialsSilver“Outer and inner cases: silver; Dial: champlevé silver”
Diameter2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)“Diameter: 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)”
InstitutionThe Metropolitan Museum of Art“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1504a, b”
Accession number17.190.1504a, b“Museum object number 17.190.1504a, b”

Visible details

  • Champlevé silver dial with engraved floral center
  • Inscribed 'LESTOURGEON LONDON' at the bottom of the dial
  • Pair-case silver housing with a pendant bow
  • Visible scrollwork engraving on the dial plate

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement condition is not detailed in the source
  • The exact nature of the escapement mechanism is not documented

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

Consulted source

Watch, David Lestourgeon, ca. 1702

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 139729d12c

Terms in this record

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

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