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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch by Claude Du Cleron

Partially verified

This pocket watch is attributed to the watchmaker Claude Du Cleron (active 1593–1637, died 1637) and is dated to approximately 1600. It is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 17.190.1611). The watch is constructed from gilt metal, silver, and rock crystal, measuring 1 1/2 by 1 inches (3.8 by 2.5 cm). The timepiece features an oval case with a hinged cover inset with a faceted or decorative rock crystal element. The dial is engraved and displays Roman numerals for the hour markers within an outer chapter ring. The piece is classified within the museum's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. This documentation relies on records provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art regarding its materials, dimensions, and attribution to the Lyons-based maker.

A front view of the oval watch with the rock crystal cover open, showing the engraved dial and Roman numeral chapter ring.
A front view of the oval watch with the rock crystal cover open, showing the engraved dial and Roman numeral chapter ring. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Claude Du Cleron
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1611
Source-reported date
ca. 1600
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

Construction and Materials

The watch is manufactured from a combination of gilt metal, silver, and rock crystal.

The cover of the watch features a section of rock crystal. This element allows the interior dial to be partially visible while the cover is closed. The overall dimensions of the object are recorded as 1 1/2 inches by 1 inch, identifying it as a small, portable timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “The museum records its materials as: Gilt metal, rock crystal, silver.”
  • “Recorded dimensions: 1 1/2 × 1 in. (3.8 × 2.5 cm).”

Maker and Attribution

The object is attributed to the French watchmaker Claude Du Cleron. Historical records indicate that Du Cleron was active between 1593 and 1637 and resided in Lyons. The watch is associated with this maker through the records maintained by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The attribution remains based on the museum's internal documentation for the object catalogued under the number 17.190.1611. Research into the specific production output of Claude Du Cleron is required to confirm the broader context of this individual object's history.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch made by Claude Du Cleron (French, active 1593–1637, died 1637), dated ca. 1600, from French, Lyons.”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1611”

Design and Ornamentation

The exterior of the watch case displays elaborate engraving throughout its surface. The dial similarly features engraved work in its central portion.

The time display consists of an outer chapter ring marked with Roman numerals. A central hand is positioned to indicate the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt metal, rock crystal, silver”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of movement contained within the gilt metal case?
  • Are there any maker's marks or signatures present on the movement plates that confirm the attribution to Claude Du Cleron?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Claude Du Cleron
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerClaude Du Cleron“Watch made by Claude Du Cleron (French, active 1593–1637, died 1637)”
Dateca. 1600“dated ca. 1600”
OriginLyons, France“from French, Lyons”
MaterialsGilt metal, rock crystal, silver“Gilt metal, rock crystal, silver”
Dimensions1 1/2 × 1 in. (3.8 × 2.5 cm)“1 1/2 × 1 in. (3.8 × 2.5 cm)”
Museum Object Number17.190.1611“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1611”

Visible details

  • Oval-shaped watch case with engraved floral or foliate motifs.
  • Hinged cover featuring a faceted rock crystal lens.
  • Dial face with engraved central pattern and an outer ring of Roman numerals.
  • Small pendant finial at the base of the watch case.

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Claude Du Cleron is subject to standard museum research verification.
  • The specific horological mechanisms internal to the watch are not detailed in the source.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Claude Du Cleron, French, Lyons, ca. 1600

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8d1e577958

Terms in this record

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

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