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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chatelaine watch

Silver watch with chain and chatelaine

Partially verified

This horological ensemble consists of a silver pocket watch accompanied by a multi-strand chain and a chatelaine. The watch features a chased dial that includes a date indication. The exterior case of the watch is decorated with an embossed scene depicting the Prodigal Son in the role of a swineherd. The chain assembly is composed of five individual chains which connect to a pendant element. This pendant serves as a mount for two fobs and a watch key. The object is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under accession number BK-NM-12814. The total length of the assembly is measured at 33.7 cm, with the watch having a diameter of 4.7 cm. The construction utilizes silver as the primary material for both the watch casing and the decorative chatelaine chain components.

Silver pocket watch with its associated five-strand chain, chatelaine pendant, two fobs, and winding key.
Silver pocket watch with its associated five-strand chain, chatelaine pendant, two fobs, and winding key. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Chatelaine watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12814
Source-reported date
c. 1750 - c. 1800
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 Dial

The object is a silver pocket watch featuring a chased dial which includes a date complication. The aesthetic treatment of the watch centers on the outer case, which is finished with embossed metalwork.

The central decorative theme on the case is a narrative scene depicting the Prodigal Son portrayed as a swineherd.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver watch with chain, with chased dial with date indication.”
  • “Embossed in the outer case is a depiction of the Prodigal Son as a swineherd.”

Chain and Chatelaine Assembly

The watch is attached to a complex accessory assembly consisting of five silver chains. These chains converge into a central pendant mount, which serves as a secure attachment point for further functional components.

Suspended from this chatelaine assembly are two fobs and a watch key, designed for winding and setting the timepiece. The entire assembly, when measured from top to bottom, has a length of 33.7 cm, integrating both the functional watch and the decorative suspension system.

Evidence for this section
  • “The chain consists of 5 chains with a pendant holding two fobs and a watch key.”
  • “geheel: lengte 33,7 cm”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is currently held within the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is catalogued under the object number BK-NM-12814 and is categorized within the museum's inventory as a chatelaine, watch, and item of jewelry.

The museum documentation provides specific physical dimensions for the individual components, noting a watch diameter of 4.7 cm and an individual chain length of 26 cm. The object is assigned a broad dating range of circa 1750 to 1800.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12814”
  • “Watch with chain, c. 1750 - c. 1800”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the maker of the watch movement?
  • Can the date of production be narrowed within the 1750-1800 range through analysis of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver watch with chain and chatelaine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum numberBK-NM-12814“BK-NM-12814”
MaterialSilver“silver (metal)”
Watch diameter4.7 cm“diameter 4.7 cm”
Total length33.7 cm“geheel: lengte 33,7 cm”
DecorationProdigal Son as a swineherd“Embossed in the outer case is a depiction of the Prodigal Son as a swineherd.”
ComponentsWatch, five-strand chain, two fobs, and a key“The chain consists of 5 chains with a pendant holding two fobs and a watch key.”

Visible details

  • The dial features chased decorative elements
  • The outer watch case displays embossed figurative imagery
  • The chain assembly supports a watch key and two additional fobs
  • The assembly consists of five distinct chain strands

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the movement and case is not specified
  • The country of origin is not explicitly identified in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch with chain, c. 1750 - c. 1800

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7c137da4d4

Terms in this record

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

Other chatelaine watch records