Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch

Silver Watch, circa 1700

Partially verified

This silver repeating watch, dated to approximately 1700, is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-15007. The timepiece features a spherical openwork case back that incorporates an enamelled oval depicting the figure of Cupid. It measures 5.7 cm in diameter, with a total height of 8.1 cm, a width of 5.7 cm, and a depth of 3.4 cm. The object is identified within the museum's own documentation as a repeating watch constructed from silver. While the Rijksmuseum classifies the item within its jewellery and wrist watch categories, the physical evidence indicates a traditional pocket-format repeating movement. The overall preservation includes both the exterior casing and internal components, documenting a specific type of horological technology associated with the transition into the eighteenth century.

Front view of the silver repeating watch showing the white dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, the crown and bow, and portions of the openwork case.
Front view of the silver repeating watch showing the white dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, the crown and bow, and portions of the openwork case. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15007
Source-reported date
circa 1700
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 Construction

The watch is housed in a silver case designed with a distinctive spherical profile. The back of the case features an intricate openwork decorative element, which serves as a frame for an oval enamel plaque. This central plaque depicts the figure of Cupid, providing a decorative focal point to the silver exterior.

These details are clearly visible in the source photography, showing a pattern that integrates with the mechanical function of the repeating mechanism within.

Evidence for this section
  • “spherical openwork case back featuring an enamelled oval with Cupid”
  • “silver (metal)”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is configured with Roman numerals for the primary hour markings, positioned within a secondary outer track that features Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The hands are centrally mounted, with a central decorative element present at the arbor.

The proportions of the dial are circular and occupy the primary face of the watch, surrounded by the metallic bezel.

Evidence for this section
  • “diameter 5.7 cm”
  • “enamelled oval with Cupid”

Institutional Record

This watch is documented within the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. The institution assigns the object to the category of jewellery and wrist watch, providing specific dimensions of 5.7 cm by 8.1 cm by 5.7 cm by 3.4 cm. This documentation serves as the primary identification for the object in the absence of a known maker signature.

The record reflects a Dutch catalogue source. The current understanding of this object as a repeating watch relies on the museum's internal classification, which is the only record provided for this specific item.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15007”
  • “diameter 5.7 cm x height 8.1 cm x width 5.7 cm x depth 3.4 cm”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type and origin of the repeating mechanism contained within?
  • Does the 'wrist watch' museum classification imply any original modifications or historical misnaming?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Watch, circa 1700
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialsilver“silver (metal)”
Object NumberBK-15007“BK-15007”
Datec. 1700“c. 1700”
Dimensions5.7 cm diameter“diameter 5.7 cm”
DescriptionRepeating watch“Watch, repeating watch, of silver.”
Enamel workOval with Cupid“enamelled oval with Cupid.”

Visible details

  • Spherical openwork case back
  • Oval enamel inset featuring a figure of Cupid
  • Dial with Roman numeral hour markers and Arabic numeral minute track
  • Filigree-style metalwork surrounding the case perimeter

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker of this repeating watch is currently unverified in the provided documentation.
  • The museum's classification as a 'wrist watch' may be a historical administrative term rather than a functional description of its intended use.

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

Consulted source

Watch of silver, c. 1700

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9c95d72edc

Terms in this record

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

Other repeating pocket watch records