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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Silver Watch by Pierre Derssigny

Partially verified

This silver watch, accessioned as 17.190.1561, is attributed to the French watchmaker Pierre Derssigny, who was born in 1646. The watch dates to approximately 1680 and originates from Paris. It is currently held within the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, having entered the collection as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The object measures 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. Constructed of silver, the watch features an elaborate decorative face with a primary timekeeping dial displaying Roman numerals and a secondary dial positioned below it. The exterior of the case is engraved with intricate floral and foliate patterns. The museum's documentation confirms the primary maker and the date of origin, though the specific internal components and hallmarks beyond the external construction materials remain to be catalogued for detailed technical review.

The silver pocket watch, shown with the case lid open to reveal the decorated dial with subsidiary functions.
The silver pocket watch, shown with the case lid open to reveal the decorated dial with subsidiary functions. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Pierre Derssigny
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1561
Source-reported date
ca. 1680
Source-reported place
France

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

Object Description

The watch is a silver-cased horological instrument with a circular form measuring 5.1 centimeters in diameter. The dial layout includes a main upper display using Roman numerals, beneath which is a secondary subsidiary dial. The surrounding plate is ornamented with engraved figures and foliage, creating a decorative contrast against the dial rings.

The exterior of the watch, including the hinged lid, displays fine engraved details consistent with late 17th-century decorative practices in Paris. The internal surface of the lid serves as the location for the museum's accession number, 17.190.1561, which is applied directly to the metal.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”
  • “Silver”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1561.”

Attribution and History

The watch is attributed to the French watchmaker Pierre Derssigny, born in 1646. The provenance of the object is established through its entry into The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection as a donation from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is classified under the department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

The records link the object to Paris, France, and date the creation to approximately 1680. These details are derived from the holding institution's internal database.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Pierre Derssigny (French, born 1646)”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
  • “French, Paris”
  • “ca. 1680”

Documentation and Research

The record for this object is maintained by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The provided information centers on the physical description and museum documentation. While the museum provides the maker and date, internal technical specifics such as movement type or hallmark identification are currently limited in public documentation.

Further research is suggested by the sourcing body to confirm the wider type and verify specifications against independent horological references, as museum records are subject to ongoing refinement regarding attribution and component originality.

Evidence for this section
  • “These details come from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's own record of this object”
  • “confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • Are the movement and dial original to the silver case?
  • Does the watch contain hallmarks confirming the Paris origin or a specific guild date?
  • What is the function of the secondary subsidiary dial positioned at the bottom of the main dial plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Watch by Pierre Derssigny
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPierre Derssigny“Watchmaker: Pierre Derssigny (French, born 1646)”
Dateca. 1680“ca. 1680”
Place of originParis, France“French, Paris”
MaterialSilver“Silver”
Dimensions2 inches (5.1 cm)“Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”
Accession Number17.190.1561“17.190.1561”
Credit LineGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Visible details

  • The watch case features detailed engraved floral and foliate motifs across its surface.
  • The interior of the hinged lid bears the museum accession number 17.190.1561.
  • The watch is held in a silver case with a hinge located at the top of the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The extent of original components or potential later replacements has not been documented.
  • Detailed movement signatures or internal serial numbers are not visible in the provided reference photo.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Pierre Derssigny, French, Paris, ca. 1680

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 013413ab43

Terms in this record

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

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