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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pocket watch by Roches

Partially verified

This 19th-century pocket watch, identified in The Metropolitan Museum of Art collection as accession number 89.2.88, is attributed to the maker Roches. The timepiece originated in Geneva, Switzerland, a prominent center for watchmaking during this period. The watch is constructed using gold and enamel materials, featuring a design with a diameter of 2 inches (5.1 cm). The watch was acquired by the museum as a gift from Joseph W. Drexel in 1889. The dial displays a distinctive central motif with radiating petals or segments, each engraved with text. The perimeter of the dial features a Roman numeral chapter ring for hours, with an Arabic numeral track indicating five-minute increments. The piece reflects the horological and decorative standards of 19th-century Swiss production, categorized under European Sculpture and Decorative Arts within the museum's institutional framework.

A frontal view of the 19th-century gold and enamel pocket watch, showing the unique engraved central dial and dual numeral track.
A frontal view of the 19th-century gold and enamel pocket watch, showing the unique engraved central dial and dual numeral track. — 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
Unknown (Attribution to Roches is documented as the museum's internal attribution, not necessarily the maker)
Reference
89.2.88
Catalogue / lot identifier
89.2.88
Source-reported date
19th century
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Physical Description and Materials

The pocket watch is described as a 19th-century instrument composed of gold and enamel. It measures 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter, which is consistent with pocket watches of this era.

The visual appearance of the dial is characterized by a complex central decorative element featuring radiating segments, each carrying engraved inscriptions. The hour display utilizes a Roman numeral chapter ring, complemented by an Arabic numeral sequence for five-minute graduations. A large pendant ring is fixed to the top of the case for attachment to a chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold, enamel”
  • “Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”

Institutional Provenance

This watch is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. It is officially recorded under the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, reflecting its status as both a technical and an artistic object.

The item entered the permanent collection through the gift of Joseph W. Drexel in 1889, assigning it the accession number 89.2.88. This provides a clear provenance back to the late 19th century, confirming the piece's historical presence in the institution for over a century.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 89.2.88.”
  • “Credit line: Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889.”

Attribution and Record

The documentation relies on the museum's internal registration, which confirms the Swiss origin of the timepiece.

Current cataloguing records note that while the object is clearly associated with the maker Roches, further comparative research is required to verify the specific horological specifications and to confirm the wider context of this maker's output in 19th-century Geneva.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Roches”
  • “Swiss, Geneva”

Open research questions

  • What is the function and content of the text engraved on the central radiating dial component?
  • Can the maker 'Roches' be confirmed through Swiss horological archives or trade directories of the 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch by Roches
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRoches“Watchmaker: Roches”
Date19th century“Pocket watch made by Roches, dated 19th century”
OriginGeneva, Switzerland“Swiss, Geneva”
MaterialsGold, enamel“Gold, enamel”
Dimensions2 in. (5.1 cm) diameter“Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”
Accession Number89.2.88“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 89.2.88.”
Credit LineGift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889“Credit line: Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889.”

Visible details

  • The dial features a central rotating or decorative component shaped like a sunburst or flower with engraved text on each segment.
  • A standard Roman numeral hour track surrounds the central ornamentation.
  • Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals are placed outside the Roman numeral track.
  • The watch case is equipped with a large, circular pendant ring for suspension.

Research qualifications

  • The wider history and specific horological type of this maker, Roches, remain unverified by external horological references in this record.
  • The record lacks specific details on the internal movement mechanism or escapement type.

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch by Roches, Swiss, Geneva, 19th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fe202932c8

Terms in this record

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

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