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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pocket Watch by Pierre Duet with Enameled Case

Partially verified

This pocket watch is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art under access number 17.190.1571. The object is a composite piece featuring an enameled case dating to approximately 1670, housing a movement attributed to the French watchmaker Pierre Duet, who was active around 1730. The watch possesses a diameter of 1 5/8 inches (4.1 cm). Constructed from metal and enamel, the object shows a marriage of a later movement within an earlier decorated case. The exterior of the case is decorated with polychrome enamel work, depicting a scene with figures. As a museum-held object, it is categorized under European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. The discrepancy between the date of the casing and the internal mechanism characterizes the item's historical formation. Documentation for this piece originates from the museum’s internal records, which identify the material components and the attribution of the maker.

The exterior of the pocket watch, showing the polychrome enameled casing featuring a figural scene.
The exterior of the pocket watch, showing the polychrome enameled casing featuring a figural scene. — 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 Duet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1571
Source-reported date
Case: ca. 1670; Movement: ca. 1730
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 Decoration

The watch is contained within an enameled case that the records date to approximately 1670. The primary photographic evidence shows an intricate enamel scene on the exterior, characterized by a detailed composition of several figures. The aesthetic of the case appears to be consistent with late 17th-century enameled decorative work.

The case is fitted with a standard pendant and ring for attachment to a chain or chatelaine. A metal hinge is visible at the top, facilitating the opening of the case to reveal the watch face or interior mechanics. The materials are officially recorded as metal and enamel.

Evidence for this section
  • “enameled case of about 1670”
  • “Metal, enamel”

Movement and Maker Attribution

The internal mechanism, or movement, is distinct from the case in terms of historical creation. The museum records attribute the movement to the French watchmaker Pierre Duet, with an estimated date of production around 1730.

The attribution to Pierre Duet is provided by the museum as the primary identifier for the watch's internal mechanical history.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement of about 1730”
  • “Watchmaker: Pierre Duet (French, ca. 1730)”

Institutional Provenance

This object is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of its European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection. It is catalogued under the object number 17.190.1571. The museum provides the definitive measurements and composition details for this specimen.

The museum’s identification is the primary source for the maker and the dating of both the mechanical and decorative components of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1571”
  • “European Sculpture and Decorative Arts”

Open research questions

  • What specific horological features verify the movement's production date to 1730?
  • Is there evidence to confirm if the case and movement were combined by the maker or at a later point in history?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket Watch by Pierre Duet with Enameled Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPierre Duet“Watchmaker: Pierre Duet (French, ca. 1730)”
Case Datecirca 1670“enameled case of about 1670”
Movement Datecirca 1730“movement of about 1730”
Diameter1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)“Diameter: 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)”
MaterialMetal, enamel“Metal, enamel”
Object Number17.190.1571“17.190.1571”
CultureFrench“French”

Visible details

  • Circular case with a pendant and bow at the top
  • Polychrome enamel decoration on the exterior casing
  • Figural scene depicted on the face of the enamel case
  • Metal hinge assembly at the twelve o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • The dating shows a significant discrepancy between the case and movement.
  • The maker attribution is based on museum records without independent horological verification.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Pierre Duet, French, enameled case of about 1670; movement of about 1730

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1a16d0cd75

Terms in this record

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

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