Pocket watch · Traveling clock watch with alarm

Traveling clock watch with alarm

Partially verified

This traveling clock watch with alarm was produced by Thomas Tompion in London, circa 1680. Tompion, a clockmaker and watchmaker, operated from Fleet Street during his career. The object is constructed with a silver case and dial. The movement is fabricated from gilded brass, partly blued steel, and silver. The overall dimensions of the case are 5 3/4 by 4 by 2 inches, while the back plate measures 3 1/4 inches in diameter. The item is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 17.190.1512. It functions as both a portable timekeeping device and an alarm. The external case features ornate, pierced silver work, while the internal dial includes a central engraved motif and roman numerals for time indication.

Front view of the silver traveling clock watch with alarm showing the engraved dial and roman numeral chapter ring. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: orbiscollectibles.com
Category: Pocket watch · Traveling clock watch with alarm
Maker / attribution: Thomas Tompion
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 17.190.1512
Source-reported date: ca. 1680
Source-reported place: British, London

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 Construction

The object features a silver case and dial. The exterior of the case is decorated with intricate, pierced metalwork that displays a detailed organic or floral motif. This design wraps around the perimeter of the watch and includes a central circular plaque on the back of the case that mimics the floral engraving found on the dial.

The dial is divided into sections, with roman numerals indicating the primary time display around the outer edge. An inner ring, also engraved with floral scrollwork, contains arabic numerals used for the alarm mechanism or secondary tracking. The hands are placed centrally, providing the interface for setting and reading the time.

Evidence for this section

“Case and dial: silver”
“Overall (case): 5 3/4 × 4 × 2 in. (14.6 × 10.2 × 5.1 cm)”

Movement and Components

The movement is housed within the silver casing and is primarily composed of gilded brass. Additional elements include components finished in partly blued steel and accents in silver. The architecture of the movement shows a complex assembly of plates and gear trains consistent with the period of manufacture.

The back plate, which provides the foundation for the gear train and alarm mechanism, measures 3 1/4 inches in diameter.

Evidence for this section

“Movement: gilded brass, partly blued steel, silver.”
“Diameter (back plate): 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm).”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is currently held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, identified by the accession number 17.190.1512. It was acquired as part of the Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The documentation attributes the piece to the maker Thomas Tompion, a prominent figure in British horology.

While the record provides the object's materials and dimensions, it notes that the specific details represent this unique specimen within the museum collection. No specific catalogue numbers are assigned, and the classification relies on the museum's internal registration.

Evidence for this section

“The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

What is the exact mechanism of the alarm setting on this specific movement?
Are there comparable examples by Thomas Tompion with identical pierced silver case designs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Traveling clock watch with alarm
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Date	ca. 1680	“dated ca. 1680”
Case and Dial Material	Silver	“Case and dial: silver”
Movement Material	Gilded brass, partly blued steel, silver	“Movement: gilded brass, partly blued steel, silver.”
Dimensions	5 3/4 x 4 x 2 in.	“Overall (case): 5 3/4 × 4 × 2 in. (14.6 × 10.2 × 5.1 cm)”
Origin	London, Britain	“from British, London.”

Visible details

Ornate pierced silver case pattern
Visible movement components including gilded brass plates
Dial features both roman and arabic numerals
Pendant and loop attachment at the top of the case

Research qualifications

Extent of original internal components has not been independently verified
Attribution to Tompion relies on museum records

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

Consulted source

Traveling clock watch with alarm, Thomas Tompion, ca. 1680

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 77a730c45e

Terms in this record

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