Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pocket watch by Richard Masterson

Partially verified

This pocket watch is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Attributed to the British maker Richard Masterson, who was active around 1630 and became a member of the Clockmaker's Company in 1633, the watch is dated to circa 1630. It is constructed from a combination of silver, gilded brass, and steel. The overall dimensions of the object are approximately 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/8 inches (3.8 cm by 2.9 cm). The dial features floral engravings and subject matter designated by the museum as faces and flowers. The documentation for this object is derived directly from the museum's own accession records and technical cataloguing.

The dial and open case of the pocket watch.
The dial and open case of the pocket watch. — 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
Richard Masterson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1471
Source-reported date
ca. 1630
Source-reported place
British

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 watch is housed in an oval silver case, which incorporates elements made of gilded brass and steel. The small dimensions of the object, measuring approximately 3.8 centimeters by 2.9 centimeters, suggest a portable instrument designed for personal use during the early 17th century. The lid is hinged at the top, allowing for access to the dial.

The dial surface is heavily decorated with detailed engraving work. Specifically, the center of the dial features a face element surrounded by ornate floral patterns. The hour circle is marked with Roman numerals, which are highlighted with a reddish pigment to provide contrast against the surrounding metalwork. The design incorporates a single hand for time indication.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overall: 1 1/2 × 1 1/8 in. (3.8 × 2.9 cm)”
  • “Silver, gilded brass, steel”
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Faces, Flowers.”

Attribution and History

The watch is attributed to Richard Masterson, a British maker. Biographical information indicates that Masterson was active around 1630 and joined the Clockmaker's Company in 1633. He remained active until his death in 1653. The watch is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York under the accession number 17.190.1471.

The object is catalogued under the purview of the museum's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. This institution provides the primary record for the watch, assigning it to the date of circa 1630 based on their internal curatorial review of the work and its characteristics.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is attributed to Richard Masterson (British, active 1630, Clockmaker's Company 1633, died 1653).”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 17.190.1471), catalogued by the museum's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.”
  • “The museum dates it ca. 1630.”

Documentation Status

The details provided for this object originate from the museum's open-access documentation. The record is classified as having partial documentation status, as the specific internal mechanics of the watch are not detailed in the currently available metadata. The museum records have been used as the primary source for the physical description and the attribution.

Research into the broader classification of the object and the validation of the maker's attribution remains an ongoing area of investigation for horological scholars. The provided information is intended for educational reference based on the existing metadata transcribed from the museum's formal catalogue entry for this specific accession number.

Evidence for this section
  • “These details are transcribed from the museum's open-access record”
  • “Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and date against a specialist reference.”

Open research questions

  • What is the configuration of the internal movement and escapement mechanism?
  • Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks visible on the interior of the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch by Richard Masterson
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard Masterson“attributed to Richard Masterson”
Dateca. 1630“ca. 1630”
MaterialsSilver, gilded brass, steel“Silver, gilded brass, steel”
Dimensions1 1/2 × 1 1/8 in. (3.8 × 2.9 cm)“Overall: 1 1/2 × 1 1/8 in. (3.8 × 2.9 cm)”
Museum Number17.190.1471“17.190.1471”
Subject TagsFaces, Flowers“Faces, Flowers”

Visible details

  • The watch has an oval case with a hinged lid.
  • The dial features a central engraving of a face surrounded by floral motifs.
  • The hour track uses Roman numerals with red-colored detailing.
  • A single hand is positioned centrally on the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The attribution to Richard Masterson is a historical classification subject to ongoing review.
  • The specific technical components of the movement are not visible or described in the source.

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

Consulted source

Watch, ca. 1630

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record afe06b6574

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records