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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Oval pocket watch

Watch and Key by John Wright

Partially verified

This oval pocket watch and its associated key are attributed to the London-based watchmaker John Wright, active between approximately 1620 and 1640. The piece is constructed primarily of gilded brass and blued steel. The watch features an engraved case and a dial decorated with architectural motifs. The dimensions of the object are recorded as 2 3/4 by 1 5/8 inches (7 by 4.1 cm). It is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, having entered the institution as part of a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. , though independent verification of its wider type and attribution history is recommended for further academic study.

The watch case, dial, and winding key as recorded by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The watch case, dial, and winding key as recorded by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. — 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 · Oval pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Wright
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1480
Source-reported date
ca. 1620–40
Source-reported place
British

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

Construction and Case

The object is an oval-shaped pocket watch constructed from gilded brass and blued steel. The outer surfaces of the case are decorated with detailed foliate engraving, while a circular central medallion provides a distinct aesthetic focus on the back of the case. The watch includes a hinged cover that protects the dial.

The timepiece is accompanied by a steel winding key of a design consistent with the period of manufacture. The overall dimensions of the watch are 2 3/4 by 1 5/8 inches. The integration of the gilded brass finish and steel components defines the material presentation of the instrument as catalogued by the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilded brass and blued steel”
  • “2 3/4 × 1 5/8 in. (7 × 4.1 cm)”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is housed beneath a hinged cover and features Roman numerals for the hours. A single hand is used to indicate the time. The central portion of the dial is engraved with landscape details, specifically featuring a windmill and an adjacent stone building.

The visual details of the face are consistent with the era of the maker, John Wright, who was active in London during the early 17th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch with key”
  • “Watchmaker: John Wright (British, active ca. 1620–40)”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 17.190.1480. It entered the collection as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The records attribute the manufacture to John Wright, a British watchmaker.

While the object is documented by the museum, current records indicate that further research is required to verify the attribution and historical context of the piece. The museum serves as the primary source for the physical description and identification of this specific watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1480”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
  • “Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and date against a specialist reference.”

Open research questions

  • Are there records of other horological works by John Wright that confirm his activity dates?
  • Does the engraving on the dial link this specific watch to any known regional London workshops of the 1620s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch and Key by John Wright
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohn Wright“Watchmaker: John Wright (British, active ca. 1620–40)”
Dateca. 1620–40“ca. 1620–40”
MaterialsGilded brass and blued steel“Gilded brass and blued steel”
Dimensions2 3/4 × 1 5/8 in. (7 × 4.1 cm)“2 3/4 × 1 5/8 in. (7 × 4.1 cm)”
Museum Number17.190.1480“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1480”
OriginBritish, London“British, London”
CreditGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Visible details

  • The watch case is oval in shape with extensive floral engraving.
  • The dial features a central scene depicting an architectural structure and a windmill.
  • A steel winding key is provided with the watch.
  • The watch incorporates a hinged cover and a single hand for time indication.

Research qualifications

  • Independent verification of the maker and dating is required beyond museum records.
  • The extent to which this individual object represents a wider manufacturing type has not been independently verified.

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

Consulted source

Watch and key, John Wright, ca. 1620–40

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1dc664cb97

Terms in this record

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

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