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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lapel watch

Sunfish-shaped lapel watch

Partially verified

This sunfish-shaped lapel watch is constructed from 18k yellow gold and is decorated with black and red enamel, along with inset diamonds. The exterior of the case is rendered in the form of a fish with sculpted scales and fins. The case opens to reveal a small watch integrated into the body, featuring a white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals. The dial is surrounded by engraved metalwork described in the source as neoclassically styled. The auction documentation attributes the creation of the piece to approximately 1860. The specific movement maker, caliber, and current working status of the timekeeping mechanism are not documented in the provided source material, nor is there information provided regarding the provenance or historical ownership of this specific object.

A view of the sunfish-shaped lapel watch in its closed position, highlighting the enamel and diamond embellishments on the gold body.
A view of the sunfish-shaped lapel watch in its closed position, highlighting the enamel and diamond embellishments on the gold body. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lapel watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
30-6157
Source-reported date
circa 1860
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 Exterior Decoration

The object is designed in the form of a sunfish, featuring a decorative exterior composed of 18k yellow gold. The surface is textured to represent scales and fins, with additional ornamentation provided by red and black enamel applications. The eyes of the fish are set with diamonds.

The object functions as a pendant, incorporating a fixed bail at the top for attachment to a chain or lapel. The construction is hinged, allowing the body of the fish to open and reveal the timekeeping component concealed within.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه از طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار گزارش شده و پولک‌ها و باله‌ها با مینای قرمز و مشکی تزئین شده‌اند”
  • “وجود تزئینات الماس نیز در شرح منبع آمده است”

Dial and Timekeeping Interior

When the case is opened, a small watch movement is visible, mounted within the interior gold frame. The dial is constructed from white enamel and utilizes both Roman and Arabic numerals to indicate the time.

The area surrounding the dial is decorated with engraved patterns that the provided text identifies as neoclassically styled.

Evidence for this section
  • “درون فرم ماهی، ساعت کوچکی با صفحه مینای سفید و اعداد رومی و عربی قرار دارد”
  • “حاشیه صفحه با نقش نئوکلاسیک حکاکی شده است”

Documentation and Attribution

The provided documentation identifies the object as a sunfish-shaped lapel watch, with an approximate date of 1860. The source notes a discrepancy between this narrative dating and secondary cataloging data that describes the piece as contemporary or modern.

There is no information regarding the movement manufacturer, the caliber, or the horological specifications of the internal mechanism. Furthermore, the source explicitly states that details concerning the restoration history, enamel condition, or weight of the diamonds are currently undocumented.

Evidence for this section
  • “تاریخ حدود ۱۸۶۰ فقط نقل متن است و این تعارض باید با فروشنده روشن شود”
  • “سازنده موتور، کالیبر، نوع کوک، سلامت مینا، وزن یا درجه الماس‌ها و کارکرد فعلی مشخص نشده‌اند”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the movement maker or the caliber of the hidden watch?
  • Does the piece contain any identifiable hallmarks indicating a specific workshop or regional origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sunfish-shaped lapel watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18k yellow gold“بدنه از طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار گزارش شده”
Dimensions2 1/4 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide“ارتفاع اعلام‌شده ۲¼ اینچ و عرض ۱½ اینچ است”
DialWhite enamel with Roman and Arabic numerals“ساعت کوچکی با صفحه مینای سفید و اعداد رومی و عربی قرار دارد”
Accession Number30-6157“شماره موجودی 30-6157”
DatingCirca 1860“متن روایی Circa1860 دارد”

Visible details

  • Sunfish-shaped case with detailed textured scales
  • Pendant bail attachment at the top
  • Small circular watch face concealed within the hinged body
  • Visible winding or setting holes on the movement dust cover

Research qualifications

  • The auction description does not confirm the current working condition of the movement
  • The source notes a conflict between the circa 1860 dating and the modern period classification in the seller's documentation
  • There is no information regarding the original maker or potential restorative interventions

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

Consulted source

ساعت آویز ماهی؛ طلا، الماس و مینا

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 886f3f9da0

Terms in this record

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