Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch and case

Partially verified

This pocket watch features a copper gilt case decorated with enamel work by the brothers Jean-Pierre and Ami Huaud. The enamelled surface displays a representation of 'Roman Charity', which is based on an engraving by Claude Mellan after a painting by Simon Vouet. The watch is signed 'Les deux freres Huaud Lesjeunes' on the exterior case. While the enamel work is attributed to the Huaud family of Geneva, the internal movement of the watch remains unsigned and its specific mechanical construction is not documented in the provided source material. The object entered the museum collection as a bequest from Mr. John George Joicey.

Front view of the pocket watch showing the Roman numeral dial with an enamelled central scene of two figures.
Front view of the pocket watch showing the Roman numeral dial with an enamelled central scene of two figures. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Jean-Pierre and Ami Huaud
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.208-1919
Source-reported date
probably 1682-86
Source-reported place
Geneva

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 Enamel Decoration

The watch is housed in a copper gilt case finished with extensive enamel work. The primary decoration on the case represents the classical theme of 'Roman Charity'. This imagery is specifically derived from an engraving by Claude Mellan, which was itself based upon an original painting by the artist Simon Vouet. The execution of this enamel is attributed to Jean-Pierre and Ami Huaud.

The exterior of the watch, including the case, is inscribed with the signature 'Les deux freres Huaud Lesjeunes'. This identifies the enamel work as the product of the Huaud brothers, a known family of enamellers working in Geneva during the late 17th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “copper gilt case enamelled with a representation of 'Roman Charity' after an engraving by Claude Mellan of a painting by Simon Vouet.”
  • “Gold case enamelled by Jean-Pierre and Ami Huaud.”
  • “Signed 'Les deux freres Huaud Lesjeunes'”

Dial and Physical Attributes

The face of the watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals marking the hours. The central portion of the dial is painted with figures, mirroring the narrative style applied to the exterior casing. The design incorporates a pair of decorative, pierced hands centered within the painted enamel imagery.

The overall structure includes a standard bow and pendant assembly at the top of the case, allowing for the watch to be suspended or carried.

Evidence for this section
  • “watch with a copper gilt case enamelled with scenes including Roman Charity”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is catalogued under the accession number M.208-1919 within the museum collection. Its provenance is documented as part of a bequest from Mr. John George Joicey. The source documentation notes that while the case is signed by the Huaud brothers, the internal mechanical movement is not signed, leaving the horological mechanism itself unattributed to a specific maker.

The date of the object is estimated based on the production period of the Huaud brothers, specifically provided as 'probably 1682-86'. No further technical information regarding the movement or its escapement is provided in the museum record, focusing the historical and artistic understanding of the watch on the case and its enamelled surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bequeathed by Mr John George Joicey”
  • “Movement not signed”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical layout of the unsigned movement?
  • Are there internal hallmarks or marks on the movement plates that might suggest a specific movement manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch and case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession numberM.208-1919“M.208-1919”
EnamellersAmi and Pierre Huaud“Gold case enamelled by Jean-Pierre and Ami Huaud.”
SignatureLes deux freres Huaud Lesjeunes“Signed 'Les deux freres Huaud Lesjeunes'”
Place of originGeneva“Geneva”
Production date1682-1686“probably 1682-86”
Case materialCopper gilt and enamel“copper gilt case enamelled with a representation of 'Roman Charity'”
Movement statusNot signed“Movement not signed”

Visible details

  • Painted enamel scene featuring two figures on the dial
  • Black Roman numeral hour markers on a white enamel background
  • Pierced decorative hands
  • Bow and pendant attachment at the top of the case

Research qualifications

  • Movement is not signed
  • Date is cited as 'probably' 1682-1686

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

Consulted source

Watch and case

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1159c57eb1

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records