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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch with double gold case

Pocket watch by Gottfred Henrik Klein

Partially verified

This 1758 pocket watch, held in the collection of NK (accession number NK8206), was made by Gottfred Henrik Klein. The timepiece is housed in a double gold case. The outer case features high-relief repoussé and chased ornamentation in the rococo style. Its reverse depicts a scene showing Achilles receiving armor and weapons from Thetis and Eros, with Poseidon positioned in the background, all surrounded by an architectural framework decorated with floral motifs. The watch dial is constructed of white enamel and displays both Roman and Arabic numerals. It is fitted with simple steel hands. The inner case is plain in design and incorporates a keyhole on the reverse side. The documentation provided by the institution confirms these physical attributes and the association with the maker, Gottfred Henrik Klein, dating the object to the mid-eighteenth century. The watch represents a specific example of gold-cased horological production of the period.

The white enamel dial of the Gottfred Henrik Klein pocket watch (NK8206) showing Roman and Arabic numerals.
The white enamel dial of the Gottfred Henrik Klein pocket watch (NK8206) showing Roman and Arabic numerals. — NK via DigitaltMuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch with double gold case
Maker / attribution
Gottfred Henrik Klein
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
NK8206
Source-reported date
1758
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
NK8206

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 Design and Ornamentation

The pocket watch is encased in a double gold housing. The outer case is distinguished by its intricate surface treatment, featuring high-relief repoussé work combined with chased details. This decoration is executed in a rococo style, characterized by fluidity and ornate architectural framing.

On the rear of the outer case, a narrative scene is presented. It illustrates the classical subject of Achilles receiving armor and weapons from Thetis and Eros, while Poseidon is shown in the background. The scene is bordered by floral motifs integrated within the rococo architectural framing of the case cover.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lommeur med dobbel kasse av gull.”
  • “Ytterkassen er forsiret med høyt relieff i drevet og siselert arbeid i rokokkostil.”
  • “På baksiden er en fremstilling av Akilles som mottar fra Thetis og Eros en rustning og våpen smidd av Poseidon, som står i bakgrunnen.”

Dial and Indication

The timepiece features a white enamel dial that serves as the visual interface for the movement.

The hands of the watch are manufactured from steel. These hands are described as simple in design, providing a functional contrast to the decorative nature of the external case. The dial remains the central point of contact for reading the time on this mechanical instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “Det indre uret har hvit emaljeskive med romerske og arabiske tall.”
  • “Viserne er enkle og av stål.”

Inner Construction

The inner case provides the functional housing for the movement. Unlike the highly decorated outer shell, this inner case is manufactured with a plain surface. Access to the internal mechanism for the purpose of winding or adjustment is facilitated by a keyhole located on the back of this inner casing.

The object is part of the NK institutional collection, cataloged under the identifier NK8206. The assembly reflects an mid-eighteenth-century approach to watch construction, emphasizing a balance between external decorative display and functional access to the movement within.

Evidence for this section
  • “Innerkassen er glatt med et nøkkelhull på baksiden.”
  • “Held by NK (object NK8206).”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of escapement movement housed within the inner casing?
  • Does the internal movement bear any maker marks or serial numbers corresponding to Gottfred Henrik Klein?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch by Gottfred Henrik Klein
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGottfred Henrik Klein“Klein, Gottfred Henrik”
Accession NumberNK8206“NK8206”
Outer Case OrnamentationRepoussé and chased work in rococo style“Ytterkassen er forsiret med høyt relieff i drevet og siselert arbeid i rokokkostil.”
Dial MaterialWhite enamel“hvit emaljeskive”
Inner Case FeaturesPlain case with a keyhole“Innerkassen er glatt med et nøkkelhull på baksiden.”

Visible details

  • Outer case features high-relief repoussé ornamentation
  • Dial displays both Roman and Arabic numerals
  • Inner case contains a keyhole on the reverse side

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to Gottfred Henrik Klein but does not detail the technical escapement mechanism
  • The source documentation is limited to the museum's provided summary

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch by Klein, Gottfred Henrik, 1758

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d81f7f87b1

Terms in this record

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