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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Men's pocket watch

Silver Men's Watch

Partially verified

This silver men's watch, catalogued as BK-15026 by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, is dated to approximately 1820. The watch is constructed from silver and copper, utilizing engraving techniques for its ornamentation. Its design features a plain silver back cover and a distinctive engraved brass dial. The dial layout is organized around three circular enamel roundels; one roundel serves as the primary time display with hands, while the remaining two display portraits. The timepiece measures 4.9 cm in diameter, 6.8 cm in total height, 4.9 cm in width, and 2.3 cm in depth. The object is documented in the Rijksmuseum collection database, which provides the technical specifications and identification used here.

A detailed view of the watch dial, showing the central time-telling roundel surrounded by engraved brass and two portrait roundels.
A detailed view of the watch dial, showing the central time-telling roundel surrounded by engraved brass and two portrait roundels. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Men's pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15026
Source-reported date
c. 1820
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 Design

The external construction of the watch is characterized by its silver composition and a plain back cover, as noted in the museum documentation. The visual appearance is dominated by the silver case, which provides a simple enclosure for the complex dial arrangement.

The design emphasizes the incorporation of artistic elements directly into the functional interface of the watch. The use of engraving as a primary decorative technique is visible across the brass dial plate, framing the enamel components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Men's silver watch with a plain back cover.”
  • “On the engraved brass dial three enamel roundels.”
  • “technique engraving”

Dial and Ornamental Elements

The dial is a central feature of this object, constructed from brass and subsequently engraved. It serves as the mounting surface for three separate enamel roundels, which deviate from standard time-telling displays.

The roundels are divided in function: one is dedicated to the display of time using hands, while two others are utilized for decorative portraiture. This arrangement indicates a deliberate choice to integrate miniature painted portraiture into the watch's aesthetic experience.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the engraved brass dial three enamel roundels. On these: 1 with hands, 2 with a portrait.”

Documentation and Object History

The object is officially held and catalogued by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the accession number BK-15026. The museum provides the definitive measurements and material composition for the item, serving as the primary record for its identity.

While the documentation provides a clear physical description and dating, specific details such as the manufacturer or the watch's movement type remain unknown. The current record is based on the museum's own catalogue text and details provided in the museum collection database.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15026”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber is housed within the BK-15026 case?
  • Can the portraits within the enamel roundels be identified as historical figures?
  • Is there an identifiable signature on the dial or movement plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Men's Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum Object NumberBK-15026“BK-15026”
MaterialsCopper and silver“copper (metal), silver (metal)”
Dimensions4.9 cm diameter x 2.3 cm depth“diameter 4.9 cm x height 6.8 cm x width 4.9 cm x depth 2.3 cm”
Datec. 1820“c. 1820”
Dial featuresEngraved brass with three enamel roundels“On the engraved brass dial three enamel roundels.”

Visible details

  • The dial features extensive engraved floral or foliate scrolling patterns.
  • Three distinct circular enamel roundels are set into the brass dial plate.
  • The watch features a traditional bow at the top for attachment.
  • The central time-telling roundel has a scalloped or beaded border.

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the watch is not identified in the source documentation.
  • The exact geographical origin is not specified, despite the museum location.
  • The internal movement mechanism is not described or visible in the available material.

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

Consulted source

Men's watch of silver, c. 1820 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-15026)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 643cdeeacc

Terms in this record

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

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