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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Pocket watch with gallant lady

Partially verified

This pocket watch, dating to the late 18th century, is attributed to the firm of Dutertre in Paris. The piece is constructed from gold, enamel, and diamonds. The exterior features decorative techniques including metalwork rendered in multiple colors of gold. The back of the watch case serves as a mount for a portrait of a lady, which is framed by a border of diamonds. The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals for the minutes and Roman numerals for the hours, signed by the retailer or maker. The watch is part of the Maurits Elzas Collection, bequeathed to the Rijksmuseum in 1937. The object remains in the permanent collection of the museum as a singular decorative timekeeping instrument.

Front view of the Dutertre pocket watch showing the enamel dial, hands, and diamond-set case.
Front view of the Dutertre pocket watch showing the enamel dial, hands, and diamond-set case. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Dutertre, Firma
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15043
Source-reported date
ca. 1775 - ca. 1800
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 Aesthetic Features

The watch case is crafted from gold and incorporates decorative work in four colors, referred to in the source as décor à quatre couleurs. The rear exterior of the watch features a portrait of a lady, which is set within a surround of diamonds.

The dial is white enamel and provides the primary visual interface for the object. It features outer Arabic numerals to mark the minutes and inner Roman numerals to indicate the hours. The signed text appears prominently on the dial surface, identifying the firm responsible for the timepiece's retail or creation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Horloge van goud, met décor à quatre couleurs. Op de achterbodem een damesportret in een rand van diamanten.”

Signatures and Origins

The timepiece is attributed to the Parisian firm of Dutertre. The source identifies the shop as being based in Paris and notes that the company acted as both a merchant and clockmaker. While the watch is associated with the French capital, the specific goldsmith responsible for the case remains anonymous, with the source noting French origin as a possibility rather than a verified fact.

The signature on the dial reads 'Dutertre' and 'A PARIS', standard markings for watches sold through the firm's Parisian establishment during the latter half of the 18th century. The watch's manufacturing date is placed between approximately 1775 and 1800.

Evidence for this section
  • “winkelbedrijf: Dutertre, Firma, Parijs”
  • “uurwerkmaker: Dutertre, Firma, Parijs”
  • “edelsmid: anoniem, Frankrijk (mogelijk)”

Provenance and Collection History

This watch was part of the collection assembled by Maurits Elzas of Arnhem. It was previously held in the collection of J.G. de Groot Jamin. The piece was sold at a public auction conducted by F. Muller in Amsterdam in December 1922, where it was acquired by Elzas.

Following his death, the object was bequeathed to the Rijksmuseum as part of a larger gift comprising 107 watches in 1937. It is catalogued under the object number BK-15043 and has been part of the museum's holdings since the acquisition date.

Evidence for this section
  • “sale, collection J.G. de Groot Jamin (1842-1920)”
  • “no. 1353-1361, fl. 150, to Maurits Elzas (1868-1937), Arnhem, 1922”
  • “by whom bequeathed with 106 other watches, as part of the 'Maurits Elzas Collection', to the museum, 1937”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the lady depicted in the portrait on the back of the case?
  • Are there internal movement markings to confirm the specific Dutertre family member or workshop associate responsible for the mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pocket watch with gallant lady
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDutertre, Firma“Dutertre, Firma, Parijs”
Dateca. 1775 - ca. 1800“ca. 1775 - ca. 1800”
Materialsgold, diamond and enamel“goud, diamant en email”
Object NumberBK-15043“BK-15043”
ProvenanceMaurits Elzas Collection“Collectie Maurits Elzas, Arnhem”
OriginParis“Parijs”

Visible details

  • Dial signed 'Dutertre' and 'A PARIS'
  • Case features diamond-set bezel
  • Hands are decorated with small stones
  • Winding aperture present on the dial

Research qualifications

  • The goldsmith remains anonymous, with French origin only considered as a possibility
  • Exact manufacture date remains estimated within a twenty-five year range

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

Consulted source

Watch with gallant lady

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a71a03bbdf

Terms in this record

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

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