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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch with musical movement

Repeating Watch with Musical Movement (BK-NM-12835)

Partially verified

The object is a repeating watch with a cylinder musical movement, currently held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under accession number BK-NM-12835. It is described as a men's gold watch, measuring approximately 6 cm in diameter. The construction incorporates both gold and copper components, featuring an engine-turned back cover. The dial exhibits a textured finish and Roman numerals. While the source notes its classification as both a watch and jewellery, it is functionally identified as a repeating timepiece with a striking mechanism. The object is catalogued in the Dutch language as a 'Repetitiehorloge met speelwerk'. The specific maker of the movement and case remains unrecorded in the available documentation, and the current record focuses on the physical specifications provided by the holding institution.

Front view of the gold repeating pocket watch showing the engine-turned dial and Roman numeral indicators.
Front view of the gold repeating pocket watch showing the engine-turned dial and Roman numeral indicators. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch with musical movement
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12835
Source-reported date
c. 1800 - c. 1825
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

Construction and Physical Form

The case, measuring approximately 6 cm in diameter, houses both the timekeeping components and the striking mechanism necessary for its repeating function.

The visual appearance of the watch is defined by the use of engine turning. This technique is applied to the back cover, which is a notable decorative feature of the design.

Evidence for this section
  • “Men's gold watch with cylinder musical movement.”
  • “Engine-turned back cover.”
  • “measurements diameter 6 cm.”
  • “technique engine turning”

Functional Classification

The watch is defined by its repeating function combined with a musical movement. It is categorized as a cylinder movement timepiece, which distinguishes the internal mechanism's configuration. The object acts as both a timekeeper and a mechanical musical device, indicating a complex internal arrangement.

The Rijksmuseum classifies this object as both a watch and jewellery, reflecting its dual purpose as a functional instrument and an accessory. The specific integration of the striking mechanism remains a focus of the object's identity as a repeating watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Repeating watch with musical movement”
  • “Men's gold watch with cylinder musical movement.”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”

Documentation and Provenance

This watch is preserved by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and is registered under the accession number BK-NM-12835. The documentation provided by the institution serves as the primary source for the object's physical attributes and historical placement.

The date range assigned to the object is circa 1800 to 1825. , though the exact maker of the watch has not been formally identified in the existing documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12835”
  • “c. 1800 - c. 1825”

Open research questions

  • Who is the original maker of the cylinder musical movement?
  • Does the repeating mechanism operate on a decimal or traditional quarter-repeating system?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Repeating Watch with Musical Movement (BK-NM-12835)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum object numberBK-NM-12835“BK-NM-12835”
Materialscopper and gold“material recorded as copper (metal), gold (metal)”
Dimensions6 cm diameter“measurements diameter 6 cm”
Techniqueengine turning“technique engine turning”
Datingc. 1800 - c. 1825“c. 1800 - c. 1825”
DescriptionMen's gold watch with cylinder musical movement“Men's gold watch with cylinder musical movement.”

Visible details

  • Circular case with pendant bow
  • Engraved Roman numeral chapter ring
  • Engine-turned central dial motif
  • Open-face dial configuration

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution is currently unverified
  • Detailed specifications of the cylinder musical movement are not explicitly documented

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

Consulted source

Repeating watch with musical movement

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8b7e450612

Terms in this record

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