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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Ring watch

Ring with inset OLYMP watch face

Partially verified

This ring incorporates a mechanical watch movement with an OLYMP-signed dial, identified in museum records as a ring with a clock face. The object features an oval setting encrusted with numerous small diamante stones surrounding a circular, light-colored dial. The watch face displays the text "OLYMP", "17 JEWELS", "INCA-BLOC", and "SWISS". A winding crown is positioned on the side of the oval bezel. The reverse of the setting exhibits etched foliate or decorative patterns. The ring was owned and worn by Bernice Kopple, a performer and model, between the 1960s and 1980s. Following its donation in 2014, the object is maintained within the collection of Museums Victoria. The overall dimensions of the setting are 30 mm in width by 15 mm in height.

Front view of the ring showing the diamante-encrusted bezel, the OLYMP dial, and the side winding crown.
Front view of the ring showing the diamante-encrusted bezel, the OLYMP dial, and the side winding crown. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Ring watch
Maker / attribution
Olymp
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
HT 38810
Source-reported date
circa 1960s-1980s
Source-reported place
Australia

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 Design

The object is configured as a ring with an integrated timepiece. The watch head is mounted within an oval-shaped bezel, which serves as the primary visual element. This bezel is extensively decorated with numerous small, reflective diamante stones, creating a textured surface that surrounds the central watch dial.

The dial is circular and finished in a light, neutral tone. It contains standard hour markers and is signed with the name "OLYMP". Additional technical descriptors are printed on the dial surface, specifying that the movement contains "17 JEWELS" and features "INCABLOC" shock protection. The country of origin for the movement is identified on the dial as "SWISS". A small, serrated winding crown is mounted on the side of the bezel to facilitate manual time setting and winding.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ring with diamante decoration and a clock face set into the oval setting.”

Physical Construction

The rear of the watch assembly, visible when the ring is removed from the finger, features a smooth metal plate framed by an oval structure. This rear surface is adorned with etched, repeating patterns resembling leaves or stylized vegetation. The band of the ring attaches to the underside of this oval watch head, providing a stable base for the mechanism. The physical footprint of the head is approximately 30 mm wide and 15 mm high, creating a prominent profile when worn.

Construction materials are noted in museum documentation as silver and diamante, reflecting common materials used in personal accessory jewellery of the mid-to-late 20th century. The watch mechanism is contained directly within the decorative oval mount, linking the functions of horology and ornamentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ring - Silver & Diamante With Clock Face”
  • “dimensions: 30 mm (Width), 15 mm (Height)”

Provenance and History

The ring is documented in the collection of Museums Victoria as part of the personal effects of Bernice Kopple, an Australian performer, model, and animal handler. Kopple, who migrated to Australia from Scotland in 1950, led a career that spanned various entertainment and modelling roles across Australia and New Zealand. She reportedly wore the ring during the 1960s and 1980s, a period coinciding with her active career as a model.

The object was acquired by the museum through a donation from Rachel Legge in 2014.

Evidence for this section
  • “worn by Bernice Kopple between the 1960s and 1980s.”
  • “Donation from Rachel Legge, 07 Apr 2014”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or movement calibre associated with the OLYMP brand?
  • Does the silver have specific hallmarks indicating an assay office or manufacturing origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ring with inset OLYMP watch face
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Registration numberHT 38810“Registration number: HT 38810”
OwnerBernice Kopple“worn by Bernice Kopple between the 1960s and 1980s”
Date range1960s-1980s“circa 1960s-1980s”
Dimensions30 mm width, 15 mm height“30 mm (Width), 15 mm (Height)”
AcquisitionDonation from Rachel Legge in 2014“Donation from Rachel Legge, 07 Apr 2014”

Visible details

  • The dial is signed OLYMP 17 JEWELS INCA-BLOC SWISS
  • The oval bezel is covered with many small faceted diamante stones
  • The case back features engraved leaf-like decorative patterns
  • The winding crown is located on the right side of the oval watch head

Research qualifications

  • The exact metal composition is not verified beyond the museum label description of silver
  • The functional status of the 17-jewel movement is not reported

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

Consulted source

Ring - Silver & Diamante With Clock Face, Bernice Kopple, circa 1960s-1980s

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 8c6492b6d9

Terms in this record

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