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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Stem-winding pocket watch

Partially verified

This stem-winding pocket watch, catalogued as BK-15094, is part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam and dates to 1930. The object is constructed from a steel alloy. Its exterior features a smooth case back and a standard crown for stem-winding functionality. The watch measures 4.8 cm in diameter, 6.5 cm in height including the bow, and 1.2 cm in depth. The dial exhibits a unique configuration, displaying Hebrew numerals alongside standard Arabic numerals for the minute track. A sub-seconds dial is positioned at the six o'clock location. The dial center is inscribed with "TYPE ROSKOPF PATENT", indicating the design lineage of the watch. As a specimen held within a national institution, this watch serves as an archival example of mass-produced timepieces with specialized regional or linguistic dial adaptations prevalent in the early 20th century.

Front view of the pocket watch showing the dial with Hebrew numerals and Roskopf patent text.
Front view of the pocket watch showing the dial with Hebrew numerals and Roskopf patent text. — 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-15094
Source-reported date
1930
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 General Construction

The pocket watch is produced with a housing of steel alloy. The total measurements of the watch are recorded as 4.8 cm in diameter and 1.2 cm in depth, providing a compact profile for daily wear or pocket carriage.

The overall height of the watch, which incorporates the bow and stem-winding crown, is 6.5 cm. These components are consistent with the mechanical requirements for manual winding.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stem-winding watch of steel with smooth case back.”
  • “diameter 4.8 cm x height 6.5 cm x width 4.8 cm x depth 1.2 cm”

Dial and Display

The dial layout is characterized by the use of Hebrew numerals rather than the standard Western Arabic or Roman indices. A secondary track featuring Arabic numerals indicates the minutes.

Positioned at the bottom of the dial, a sub-seconds register provides discrete tracking of seconds.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial has Hebrew numerals and Arabic minute numbers.”

Collection and Documentation

Object BK-15094 is currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam. The documentation provided for this watch is based on the museum's internal records, which identify the object by its accession number and provide physical specifications in both metric dimensions and material composition.

The museum categorizes the object within their jewellery and wristwatch collections. While the source provides factual data regarding the specific museum piece, it notes that the wider historical context or specific maker attribution of this specimen has not been independently verified outside of the primary museum classification.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15094”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text; details are those of this museum object, and how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer behind this 'Type Roskopf' watch?
  • Was the Hebrew dial configuration a custom commission or a commercially mass-produced model for a specific demographic?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Stem-winding pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding institutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15094”
MaterialSteel alloy“material recorded as steel (alloy)”
Dimensions4.8 cm x 6.5 cm x 4.8 cm x 1.2 cm“diameter 4.8 cm x height 6.5 cm x width 4.8 cm x depth 1.2 cm”
Dial numeralsHebrew and Arabic“The dial has Hebrew numerals and Arabic minute numbers.”

Visible details

  • Hebrew numerals on the main dial
  • Small seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • "TYPE ROSKOPF PATENT" printed on dial
  • Stem-winding crown and bow

Research qualifications

  • The maker is not explicitly identified in the provided documentation
  • The claim that this represents a wider type has not been independently verified

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

Consulted source

Watch, 1930 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-15094)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c642a898cc

Terms in this record

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

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