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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch

Repeating Watch

Partially verified

This repeating pocket watch, identified as object BK-15086 in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, dates to the period between 1740 and 1770. It is a gentleman's watch constructed from gold. A primary feature of the watch is its pair case configuration, which includes an outer case decorated with a relief scene depicting Alexander the Great in the act of cutting the Gordian knot. The inner horological mechanism is housed within a 4.5 cm diameter case, while the outer protective case measures 5.4 cm in diameter. While the museum classifies the item as a watch, its repeating function indicates a design intended for an acoustic indication of time. The documentation provided by the holding institution establishes the physical dimensions and material composition, although specific internal movement details remain to be confirmed against broader horological records.

Front view of the gold repeating watch showing the dial, hands, and decorative outer case edge.
Front view of the gold repeating watch showing the dial, hands, and decorative outer case edge. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15086
Source-reported date
1740-1770
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 Construction and Decoration

The most distinct aesthetic element is the relief scene on the reverse of the outer case. This depicts the narrative of Alexander the Great at Gordium, specifically the moment he severs the Gordian knot with his sword to fulfill the prophecy of ruling Asia, a motif frequently utilized in decorative arts to symbolise decisive action.

The case dimensions reflect the traditional nesting of these components, with the inner watch case measuring 4.5 cm in diameter and the outer protecting case measuring 5.4 cm in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold (metal)”
  • “The outer case shows a relief depicting Alexander cutting the Gordian knot.”
  • “diameter 5.4 cm x diameter 4.5 cm”

Dial and Signature

The visible face of the watch features a central dial layout. The primary indices are set with Roman numerals for the hour chapters, surrounded by a secondary track of Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.

The central portion of the dial contains an inscription that includes the word 'LONDON'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outer case shows a relief depicting Alexander cutting the Gordian knot.”
  • “diameter 5.4 cm x diameter 4.5 cm”

Museum Attribution and Provenance

The watch is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the accession number BK-15086. The museum classifies the item within its jewellery and watch collections, providing a consistent provenance for the object in a public institution.

The record is based on translated catalogue data from the Rijksmuseum. The technical details regarding the movement, such as the specific type of repetition or the escapement configuration, are not explicitly provided in the current museum documentation, leaving these aspects for further empirical investigation.

The dating attributed to the object covers a thirty-year span, reflecting the difficulties of pinning exact manufacturing years on movements that lack a maker's name or hallmark-based record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
  • “Museum object number BK-15086”
  • “1740 - 1770”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the maker whose signature appears as 'LONDON' on the dial?
  • What type of repeating movement (e.g., quarter or minute) is housed within the gold inner case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Repeating Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object numberBK-15086“BK-15086”
Materialgold“gold (metal)”
Outer case diameter5.4 cm“diameter 5.4 cm”
Inner watch diameter4.5 cm“diameter 4.5 cm”
Decoration themeAlexander the Great and the Gordian knot“The outer case shows a relief depicting Alexander cutting the Gordian knot.”
Dating1740-1770“1740 - 1770”

Visible details

  • The dial displays a signature that includes the word 'LONDON'
  • The watch features a pair case design with decorative metalwork on the outer shell
  • The dial utilizes Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals
  • The bow and pendant are positioned at the 12 o'clock location

Research qualifications

  • The maker remains unidentified despite the inscription on the dial
  • The internal technical specifications of the repeating mechanism are not detailed in the provided source

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

Consulted source

Repeating Watch, 1740 - 1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5df4373c32

Terms in this record

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

Other repeating pocket watch records