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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch with chain and seal

Pocket watch with five-strand chain and seal

Partially verified

This pocket watch with an associated chain is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-12813. Dating from approximately 1735 to 1770, the object is constructed from silver. The watch face features an enamelled dial embellished with a hand-painted cityscape scene. The external case is decorated with a repoussé-worked allegorical scene. The accompanying chain is formed of five parallel strands and terminates in a blank seal. The total length of the assembly is 31.1 cm, with the watch case measuring 4.7 cm in diameter. The object is classified by the museum within categories that include jewellery and chatelaine components, reflecting its historic usage as both a timekeeper and a decorative accessory. The technical specifications and historical background of the piece are based on records maintained by the Rijksmuseum, and the object's specific workshop origin remains undocumented.

A silver pocket watch with a five-strand chain and a blank seal, dating to the mid-18th century.
A silver pocket watch with a five-strand chain and a blank seal, dating to the mid-18th century. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch with chain and seal
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12813
Source-reported date
c. 1735 - c. 1770
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Construction

The timepiece consists of a silver case featuring a repoussé-worked scene on the exterior. The dimensions of the watch case are recorded at 4.7 cm in diameter.

The dial is finished in enamel, serving as a canvas for a miniature depiction of a cityscape. This scene incorporates architectural elements and water, integrated with a chapter ring containing Roman numerals for the hours and a standard minute track.

Evidence for this section
  • “An allegorical scene is repoussé-worked on the outer case.”
  • “enamelled dial featuring a cityscape”
  • “measurements diameter 4.7 cm”

Chain and Seal Assembly

The watch is tethered to a chain assembly measuring 24.5 cm in length, which contributes to an overall object length of 31.1 cm. The chain design is distinct, utilizing five parallel strands of silver links to provide both structural integrity and a decorative appearance. A metal plaque, similarly decorated, bridges the strands.

At the terminal end of the five-strand chain hangs a seal. The seal is described as blank, indicating that it lacks an engraved intaglio for wax impressions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The chain consists of five strands from which a blank seal hangs.”
  • “ketting: lengte 24,5 cm”
  • “geheel: lengte 31,1 cm”

Documentation and Provenance

This object is part of the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, registered under the number BK-NM-12813. The museum’s records confirm the material composition and provide the dimensional data for the watch and its associated chain.

The dating of the object is established between approximately 1735 and 1770. While the record provides a classification for the item, it notes that the specific horological history, such as the maker or regional workshop, remains subject to further research to confirm the broader type and origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12813”
  • “Watch with chain, c. 1735 - c. 1770”
  • “confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • Which horological workshop or region is responsible for the manufacture of this timepiece?
  • Does the repoussé work on the outer case correspond to specific known allegorical series from the mid-18th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch with five-strand chain and seal
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum numberBK-NM-12813“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12813”
Materialsilver“Watch with chain made of silver”
Watch diameter4.7 cm“measurements diameter 4.7 cm”
Total length31.1 cm“geheel: lengte 31,1 cm”
Chain configurationFive strands“The chain consists of five strands from which a blank seal hangs.”
Dial decorationCityscape“an enamelled dial featuring a cityscape”
Case decorationAllegorical repoussé“An allegorical scene is repoussé-worked on the outer case.”

Visible details

  • Enamelled dial displays a polychrome cityscape with buildings and water.
  • Five-strand silver chain connects the watch to a blank pendant seal.
  • Outer case features a complex repoussé-worked allegorical scene.
  • Dial includes black Roman numerals and minute track markers.

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the watch is currently unidentified.
  • The dating range provided is broad and represents an estimated period of manufacture.

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

Consulted source

Watch with chain, c. 1735 - c. 1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8e9352a85a

Terms in this record

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