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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pocket watch by J. Tarts

Partially verified

This silver and brass pocket watch was made by the watchmaker J. Tarts, who was active between 1755 and 1790. It is dated to 1774–75 and originated in London, England. The timepiece is currently part of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, having entered the institution as a bequest from George White Thorne in 1883. The object is catalogued under the accession number 83.1.76a, b and measures approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. The construction involves silver for the case and brass for internal components. The dial features intricate metalwork, including a central motif with the maker's signature, and exhibits a decorative outer ring for time indication.

The dial and silver case of the watch, showing the signature and decorative engravings.
The dial and silver case of the watch, showing the signature and decorative engravings. — 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
J. Tarts
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
83.1.76a, b
Source-reported date
1774–75
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 Design

The watch is housed in a silver case, which features an ornate, deeply engraved decorative band around its circumference. The design incorporates floral patterns visible across the side profile of the watch.

The dial surface displays high-relief metalwork, organized with an outer chapter ring marked with Arabic numerals from 5 to 60. The central area of the dial is signed 'TARTS' and includes an engraved heraldic-style motif depicting a crown flanked by a lion and a unicorn. Hour and minute hands are positioned centrally.

Evidence for this section
  • “Medium Silver, brass”

Maker and Attribution

The watch is attributed to J. Tarts, a watchmaker recorded as active between 1755 and 1790. The provenance of the object is linked to the collection of George White Thorne.

The timepiece is officially held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art within their European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, confirming its documented status as a museum-held object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: J. Tarts (active 1755–90)”
  • “Credit line: Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883”

Museum Documentation

The object is indexed under the accession number 83.1.76a, b. According to the museum records, the watch utilizes brass for its internal construction, complemented by the silver case.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art lists the dimensions of the object as exactly 2 inches, or 5.1 cm, in diameter. The records categorize the watch under the broader umbrella of horology.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 83.1.76a, b.”
  • “Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of escapement used within the movement?
  • Does the case bear London assay marks consistent with the 1774–75 dating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch by J. Tarts
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. Tarts“Watchmaker: J. Tarts (active 1755–90)”
Date1774–75“1774–75”
MaterialsSilver, brass“Medium Silver, brass”
Dimensions2 inches (5.1 cm)“Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”
Accession number83.1.76a, b“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 83.1.76a, b.”
Credit lineBequest of George White Thorne, 1883“Credit line: Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883.”

Visible details

  • Decorative metal outer ring with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals
  • Central dial ornamentation featuring a crown, lion, and unicorn motif
  • Ornately engraved silver case band with floral elements
  • Matching hour and minute hands

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the internal movement components versus the case remains unverified
  • The historical extent of dial or hand replacement is not specified by the museum record

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

Consulted source

Watch by J. Tarts, British, London, 1774–75

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 46ed42576d

Terms in this record

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

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