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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Form watch

Star-shaped watch of crystal

Partially verified

The star-shaped watch of crystal, catalogued by the Rijksmuseum as BK-VBR-364, is a notable form watch featuring a distinct star-shaped case constructed from lead glass crystal. The horological instrument is fitted with a brass mount and suspension ring, which facilitate its identification as a portable timepiece. The dial of the watch is fashioned from silver. With physical dimensions measuring 7 cm in height, 5.8 cm in width, and 3 cm in depth, the object has a total weight of 92 grams. This item is currently held in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under the specified accession number.

Front view of the star-shaped watch, showing the crystal case, brass mounts, suspension ring, and silver dial.
Front view of the star-shaped watch, showing the crystal case, brass mounts, suspension ring, and silver dial. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Form watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-VBR-364
Source-reported date
c. 1400 - c. 1950
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

Construction and Materials

The construction of this watch is defined by its unusual star-shaped housing, crafted primarily from lead glass crystal. This material choice creates a transparent body that reveals the internal arrangement of the watch components. The crystal sections are held together by a metallic structure, identified in the museum records as copper or brass mounts. These metal elements provide the necessary framework to support the delicate crystal housing and the internal movement.

A distinct silver dial is incorporated into the design, positioned centrally within the star-shaped frame. The dimensions of 7 cm by 5.8 cm ensure the object is substantial, while the use of silver for the dial provides a contrasting material to the crystal housing, enhancing the visual clarity of the watch face for the viewer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Star-shaped watch of crystal with a brass mount and ring and a silver dial.”
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-VBR-364; its record gives material recorded as crystal (lead glass), copper (metal), silver (metal)”

Museum Documentation and Classification

The object is currently registered within the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the accession number BK-VBR-364. This museum entry serves as the primary source for the physical specifications of the piece, including its weight of 92 grams and specific linear measurements. The documentation provided by the institution classifies the item as a wrist watch and a piece of jewellery, reflecting its potential function as a personal decorative object.

While the documentation confirms the physical status and existence of the object, the wider context of its production remains broad, spanning a period from the 15th to the mid-20th century. The museum classification suggests the object's role within historical collections as an example of form-based horological design, though further research is required to verify its specific origins or potential maker attribution beyond the holding institution's records.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-VBR-364”

Physical Dimensions and Features

The watch exhibits specific proportions that characterize its overall profile, notably the 7 cm height and 5.8 cm width. The depth of 3 cm indicates a relatively thick profile, which is consistent with the construction requirements of housing a movement inside a crystal star-shaped case.

A suspension ring is present at the top of the metal mount, which allowed the watch to be held or attached to other items.

Evidence for this section
  • “height 7 cm x width 5.8 cm x depth 3 cm x weight 92 g”
  • “Star-shaped watch of crystal with a brass mount and ring”

Open research questions

  • What specific movement mechanism is housed within the star-shaped crystal case?
  • Can the provenance of this object be traced to a specific maker or workshop given the broad dating provided by the museum?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Star-shaped watch of crystal
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-VBR-364”
Museum Object NumberBK-VBR-364“BK-VBR-364”
MaterialsCrystal (lead glass), copper (metal), silver (metal)“crystal (lead glass), copper (metal), silver (metal)”
Height7 cm“height 7 cm”
Width5.8 cm“width 5.8 cm”
Depth3 cm“depth 3 cm”
Weight92 g“weight 92 g”
Datingc. 1400 - c. 1950“c. 1400 - c. 1950”

Visible details

  • Case is cut in the form of a four-pointed star
  • Silver dial visible beneath the crystal cover
  • Brass suspension ring mounted at the top
  • Brass frame construction securing the crystal panels

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker remains unidentified in the source material
  • The precise chronological origin remains broadly dated between 1400 and 1950

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

Consulted source

Star-shaped watch of crystal

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6a244d978b

Terms in this record

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

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