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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Silver repeating pocket watch

Partially verified

This silver repeating pocket watch, dated circa 1780, is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-15013. The object is constructed of silver and glass, measuring 4.4 cm in diameter and 2 cm in depth, with an overall height of 6.3 cm including the pendant. The watch features a dial with Roman numerals and a medallion on the back cover displaying a monogram of the letters S.L.M. As a repeating timepiece, the watch includes an internal mechanism designed to chime the time. The Rijksmuseum identifies this object within their jewellery classification, noting its construction details as part of their permanent record. Further investigation is required to determine the specific workshop or maker responsible for its manufacture and to verify the horological specifications of the repeating movement within the case.

Front view of the silver pocket watch (BK-15013), showing the dial.
Front view of the silver pocket watch (BK-15013), showing the dial. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15013
Source-reported date
c. 1780
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

Physical Description and Case

The watch is housed in a silver case that exhibits an ornate engraved decorative border. It measures 4.4 centimeters in diameter and 2 centimeters in depth, with a total height of 6.3 centimeters including the pendant assembly. The dial is protected by a glass crystal and displays a chapter ring featuring Roman numerals for the hours, with an outer track marked with Arabic numerals indicating the minutes.

A prominent feature of the exterior is a medallion located on the back cover. This medallion contains an engraved monogram consisting of the letters S.L.M. The overall construction utilizes silver as the primary material, which is consistent with the general appearance of mid-to-late 18th-century pocket watches documented in the Rijksmuseum collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the back cover is a medallion containing a monogram of the letters S.L.M.”
  • “diameter 4.4 cm x height 6.3 cm x width 4.4 cm x depth 2 cm”
  • “Watch of silver, c. 1780”

Function and Classification

The watch is classified as a repeating watch, indicating that it contains a mechanical complication designed to strike the time audibly. The Rijksmuseum has categorized this object within their broader jewellery collection.

The specific repeating mechanism remains unexamined in the provided source text, which focuses on the external physical attributes and documentation status.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch, repeating watch, of silver.”

Provenance and Documentation

This object is preserved within the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the museum object number BK-15013. The provided details regarding the watch are derived from the museum’s own internal records, which have been translated for public access. No catalogue references or maker marks are identified in the current documentation.

The object is recognized as an individual item within the museum's registry. While the material composition and dimensions are clearly documented, the source notes that further research is required to ascertain the wider type and potential maker. The record serves as a primary reference for this specific historical specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15013”
  • “Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the repeating movement housed within this silver case?
  • Can the monogram 'S.L.M.' be linked to a specific historical owner or commission record?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver repeating pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datec. 1780“c. 1780”
Materialsilver (metal), glass“silver (metal), glass”
Dimensions4.4 cm x 6.3 cm x 2 cm“diameter 4.4 cm x height 6.3 cm x width 4.4 cm x depth 2 cm”
CollectionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15013”
MonogramS.L.M.“On the back cover is a medallion containing a monogram of the letters S.L.M.”

Visible details

  • Decorative engraved border on the case
  • Roman numeral chapter ring with outer Arabic numerals for minutes
  • Ornate gold-toned hands
  • Pendant bow for chain suspension

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution is currently unknown
  • Specific internal repeating mechanism details are not provided in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch of silver, c. 1780

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c4c0f2284c

Terms in this record

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

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