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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Form watch

Tulip-form pocket watch

Partially verified

This object is a Swiss-made form watch fashioned as a tulip bud, attributed to circa 1820. The exterior of the case is composed of 18ct yellow gold, ornamented with multicolored enamel and a border of small seed pearls. Measuring approximately 24mm in diameter, the watch features a hinged case that opens to reveal an enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and gold spade-shaped hands. The internal mechanism is a verge movement. The watch is catalogued by the seller without an identified maker or workshop.

Tulip-shaped form watch, shown in closed and open states revealing the dial and verge movement.
Tulip-shaped form watch, shown in closed and open states revealing the dial and verge movement. — Somlo London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Form watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1586
Source-reported date
circa 1820
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
1586

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 External Features

The watch is housed in a gold case designed to replicate the appearance of a tulip bud. The exterior is decorated with polychrome enamel work and features a row of small seed pearls along the meeting point of the hinged sections. A decorative gold loop is attached to the upper section for suspension.

The case diameter is recorded as approximately 24mm. While the overall form is described in the source, specific technical details regarding the thickness, the integrity of the enamel, or the condition of the hinge mechanism are not documented in the provided information.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار را با میناکاری چندرنگ و مرواریدهای ریز توصیف کرده و اندازه قاب را ۲۴ میلی‌متر نوشته است”
  • “این ساعت فرم غنچه لاله را Somlo London به سوئیس و حدود ۱۸۲۰ نسبت می‌دهد”

Dial and Movement

The interior of the form watch contains a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals. It features gold spade-shaped hands used for time indication. The movement is specified as a verge type, which is a design characteristic consistent with the attributed date of the early 19th century.

However, the documentation does not clarify the specific method of winding or the caliber of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور verge و کوک دستی در متن منبع”
  • “صفحه سفید مینایی با مسیر دقیقه، اعداد عربی سیاه و عقربه‌های طلای زرد با فرم بیلچه توصیف شده است”

Attribution and Documentation

The object is attributed to Switzerland and dated to approximately 1820. The specific maker or workshop responsible for its creation is not identified in the records. The watch is tracked by the seller under the inventory code 1586.

The source provides a record of the watch as catalogued by Somlo. No information is available regarding the history of ownership, maintenance records, or authenticity reports beyond the general attribution provided by the seller.

Evidence for this section
  • “نام کارگاه یا ساعت‌ساز مشخص نشده است”
  • “کد موجودی فروشنده 1586 است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical arrangement for setting the time on this verge movement?
  • Does the watch contain any internal components that would substantiate the 'musical' reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tulip-form pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1820“Circa 1820”
Material18ct yellow gold, enamel, and seed pearls“18ct yellow gold and enamel set Swiss form watch”
Movement typeVerge“موتور verge”

Visible details

  • Case shaped as a tulip bud with enamel petals and a pearl border
  • White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and spade-shaped hands
  • Verge movement visible when the case is opened
  • Gold suspension loop at the top of the form

Research qualifications

  • Presence of musical function is unverified despite use of the term in reference field
  • Exact mechanical state, including completeness of the movement and originality of parts, is not documented

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

Consulted source

18ct yellow gold and enamel set Swiss form watch watch. Circa 1820

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 50c915d02a

Terms in this record

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

Other form watch records