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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Verge pocket watch by Dubois et Fils

Partially verified

This verge pocket watch is identified by the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum as a piece by Dubois et Fils. The museum database dates the production of this timepiece to the period between 1770 and 1800, specifically referencing the museum’s protocol for this estimate. The visual evidence shows a white enamel dial with a sub-dial for time display, featuring Arabic numerals. A prominent circular aperture at the bottom of the dial reveals a visible balance wheel assembly, a detail consistent with certain verge movements of this era. The object is listed under the identifier NK1913-060 within the museum's digital records, which document its history and classification.

A front view of the verge pocket watch showing the enamel dial with an upper time sub-dial and a lower balance aperture.
A front view of the verge pocket watch showing the enamel dial with an upper time sub-dial and a lower balance aperture. — Beer, Freia / Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
digitaltmuseum.no
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Dubois et Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
NK1913-060
Source-reported date
1770 - 1800
Source-reported place
France

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

Dial and Appearance

The watch features a white enamel dial, which acts as the primary visual interface. Positioned in the upper half of the dial is a sub-dial displaying the time using Arabic numerals. The signature 'Dubois et Fils' is inscribed horizontally across the center of the dial surface.

A notable feature of this timepiece is the circular aperture located in the lower portion of the dial. Through this opening, a portion of the movement is visible, specifically the balance wheel. This design element allows for the observation of the oscillation of the balance, a characteristic arrangement for certain verge watches of the period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dubois et Fils”
  • “Spindelur”

Production and Classification

The Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum documents the production of the watch as occurring between 1770 and 1800. This dating is based on the museum's internal protocols.

The object is recorded as having been produced in Paris, France. It is held within the museum's collection and is officially registered under the identifier NK1913-060.

Evidence for this section
  • “Produksjon: 1770 - 1800”
  • “Production place Frankrike Paris”
  • “NK1913-060”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch entered the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum collection in 1913, according to the museum's historical protocols. The acquisition or association is linked to Hans Ellefsen Dedekam, who is listed as a collection creator.

The museum identifies the object as a 'Spindelur', the Norwegian term for a verge watch. The entry remains part of the institution's digital collection accessible under the identifier DIMU-CODE 0210614816412.

Evidence for this section
  • “Proveniens: 1913”
  • “Samlingsskaper Dedekam, Hans Ellefsen”
  • “Spindelur”

Open research questions

  • What specific internal caliber or movement caliber is utilized in this watch?
  • Are there any maker's marks or hallmarks present on the inner case back to confirm the French origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Verge pocket watch by Dubois et Fils
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDubois et Fils“Dubois et Fils”
Date1770 - 1800“Produksjon: 1770 - 1800”
OriginParis, France“Production place Frankrike Paris”
Accession NumberNK1913-060“NK1913-060”
ProvenanceEntered collection in 1913“Proveniens: 1913”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic numeral sub-dial
  • Visible balance wheel aperture on the lower dial
  • Signed 'Dubois et Fils' across the center of the dial
  • Metallic case with pendant and bow

Research qualifications

  • The production date is a broad range provided as a museum estimate
  • The specific technical components of the internal movement are not explicitly detailed in the documentation

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

Consulted source

Verge pocket watch by Dubois et Fils, 1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record dce1b3018d

Terms in this record

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

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