Pocket watch · Verge pair-case pocket watch

Verge watch in silver pair case by Johannes van Ceulen

Partially verified

This verge pocket watch in a silver pair case is documented by the Science Museum Group as made by Johannes van Ceulen in The Hague circa 1690–1700. Catalogued under object number 1953-47, the piece consists of an inner watch case housing the movement and dial alongside an open outer pair case with a textile lining. The dial displays applied or champlevé-style Roman numeral hour markers, an outer chapter ring of Arabic numerals for five-minute divisions, and central hands over an engraved central disk.

Johannes van Ceulen silver pair-case verge pocket watch with separate open outer case — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category: Pocket watch · Verge pair-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Johannes van Ceulen
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: 1690-1700
Country: Netherlands

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

Object Identification

This verge pocket watch is identified by the Science Museum Group as the work of Johannes van Ceulen, dated between 1690 and 1700, and produced in The Hague.

The object is catalogued as item 1953-47, with credit given to Mr. H. Batsford.

Evidence for this section

“Verge watch by Johannes van Ceulen of the Hague, 1690-1700.”
“Object Number: 1953-47”
“credit: Mr. H. Batsford.”

Physical Configuration

The item consists of a silver pair case assembly. Observations indicate the inner case is detached from the outer pair case, which features a hinged, glazed front bezel and a reddish-brown textile lining.

The pendant and bow assembly on the inner case is described as pronounced.

Evidence for this section

“Materials: silver (metal) , glass”
“Inner case detached from outer pair case, showing a pronounced pendant and bow assembly.”
“Outer pair case opened to reveal an interior lined with worn reddish-brown textile.”
“Glazed front bezel on the outer case hinged open beside the rear case bowl.”

Dial Details and Dimensions

The watch dial features Roman numerals for hour markers and an outer track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The central dial area is engraved, with hands mounted at the center.

The overall physical dimensions are recorded as 17 mm x 57 mm x 65 mm, with a weight of 0.135kg.

Evidence for this section

“Dial features Roman numerals for the hours and an outer track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.”
“Centrally mounted hands over an engraved central dial zone.”
“overall: 17 mm x 57 mm x 65 mm, .135kg”

Open research questions

What markings or hallmarks are present on the inner or outer case surfaces?
What is the mechanical condition of the verge escapement movement inside the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Verge watch in silver pair case by Johannes van Ceulen
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Johannes van Ceulen	“Verge watch by Johannes van Ceulen of the Hague, 1690-1700.”
Object number	1953-47	“Object Number: 1953-47”
Production place	The Hague	“Made: 1690-1700. in The Hague”
Materials	silver (metal) , glass	“Materials: silver (metal) , glass”
Measurements	overall: 17 mm x 57 mm x 65 mm, .135kg	“overall: 17 mm x 57 mm x 65 mm, .135kg”
Production Location	The Hague	“Made: 1690-1700. in The Hague”

Visible details

Inner case detached from outer pair case, showing a pronounced pendant and bow assembly.
Outer pair case opened to reveal an interior lined with worn reddish-brown textile.
Glazed front bezel on the outer case hinged open beside the rear case bowl.
Dial features Roman numerals for the hours and an outer track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.
Centrally mounted hands over an engraved central dial zone.

Research qualifications

Movement and escapement components are enclosed and not directly visible in the image.
Exterior rear surface of the cases cannot be assessed from the single perspective.

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

Consulted source

Verge watch by Johannes van Ceulen of the Hague, 1690-1700. | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record ee879be3a1

Terms in this record

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