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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch

Repeating watch

Partially verified

This repeating pocket watch, currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (accession number BK-NM-12877), is dated to between circa 1780 and 1785. The timepiece is constructed from gold and embellished with pearls. Its external appearance is defined by a white enamelled dial, with the front bezel surrounding the glass set with a wreath of pearls. A similar decorative wreath of pearls is applied to the back cover, arranged around a central medallion. The dial features the signature "Vauchez" and the location "A PARIS" printed in black, accompanied by Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals marking the minutes. The watch measures 3.6 cm in diameter. While identified in the museum records as a repeating watch, the technical specifications of the internal repeating movement, such as the type of complication, are not detailed in the available source data beyond the object's general classification.

Front view of the repeating watch showing the white enamelled dial, pearl-set bezel, and signature.
Front view of the repeating watch showing the white enamelled dial, pearl-set bezel, and signature. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vauchez
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12877
Source-reported date
c. 1780 - c. 1785
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 External Features

The watch is housed in a gold case characterized by its decorative application of pearls. The front bezel, which frames the watch glass, features a prominent wreath of pearls encircling the dial. This ornamental motif is repeated on the reverse of the case, where a wreath of pearls is set around a central medallion.

The object maintains a small profile with a diameter of 3.6 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold repeating watch with white enamelled dial. On the front bezel along the glass a wreath of pearls. On the back cover a wreath of pearls around a medallion.”
  • “material recorded as pearl, gold (metal); measurements diameter 3.6 cm.”

Dial and Signature

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays a standard layout for the period. The chapter ring consists of black painted Roman numerals for the hours. An outer track marked with Arabic numerals provides minute indicators at intervals.

The dial is signed with the name 'Vauchez' located below the XII position, with the text 'A PARIS' inscribed beneath the center, identifying the place of origin as Paris. A single hand is present on the dial, and a winding or setting hole is visible to the right of the center.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the front bezel along the glass a wreath of pearls.”
  • “white enamelled dial.”

Institutional Documentation

The object is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, assigned the accession number BK-NM-12877. The museum classifies the item within its collection as both a wrist watch and a piece of jewellery, reflecting its decorative use and format.

The provided information is based on the museum's catalogue records. The data confirms the object's material composition and dimensions, although the museum notes currently lack detailed technical descriptions regarding the specific repeating mechanism housed within the gold case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12877”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the repeating mechanism (e.g. quarter-repeater, minute-repeater) within this movement?
  • Can the maker 'Vauchez' be definitively associated with a specific Parisian workshop active between 1780 and 1785?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Repeating watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datec. 1780 - c. 1785“c. 1780 - c. 1785”
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12877”
Museum object numberBK-NM-12877“BK-NM-12877”
Materialpearl, gold (metal)“pearl, gold (metal)”
Dimensionsdiameter 3.6 cm“diameter 3.6 cm”
Dial detailswhite enamelled dial“white enamelled dial”

Visible details

  • White enamelled dial with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minute track
  • Signature 'Vauchez' and 'A PARIS' visible on the dial
  • Single hour hand present
  • Bezel and back case set with continuous wreath of pearls

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Vauchez is derived from the dial signature but not confirmed by internal movement records in the source
  • Specific mechanism of the repeating complication is not documented in the provided information

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

Consulted source

Repeating Watch, c. 1780 - c. 1785

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8be1e789e3

Terms in this record

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

Other repeating pocket watch records