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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch by Jaques Sermand

Partially verified

This watch, currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 17.190.1015), is attributed to the Swiss watchmaker Jaques Sermand (1595–1651). Produced in Geneva between approximately 1620 and 1650, the watch is constructed using rock crystal, gilt bronze, and silver. Measuring 1 3/4 by 1 3/8 inches (4.4 by 3.5 cm), the object demonstrates a distinct aesthetic associated with mid-seventeenth-century horological production in Geneva. It entered the museum collection in 1917 as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan. The design incorporates a faceted rock crystal case back and a protective hinged cover, also featuring a crystal insert, which sits over the dial. The dial itself is decorated with an engraved landscape scene and features Roman numerals for the time display.

A seventeenth-century watch attributed to Jaques Sermand, featuring a rock crystal back and an engraved dial, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A seventeenth-century watch attributed to Jaques Sermand, featuring a rock crystal back and an engraved dial, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. — 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
Jaques Sermand
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1015
Source-reported date
ca. 1620–50
Source-reported place
Swiss, 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

Materials and Construction

The watch is identified by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as being constructed from a combination of rock crystal, gilt bronze, and silver. The physical configuration is characterized by a high-domed or convex rock crystal back, which provides a view into the rear of the case, and a hinged lid that covers the dial face.

The lid is fitted with a central rock crystal element, allowing the dial to be seen while the watch is closed. The dimensions of the object are recorded as 1 3/4 by 1 3/8 inches. The integration of gilt bronze and silver components suggests a focus on decorative metalwork as much as horological function, consistent with the production associated with Jaques Sermand in Geneva during the mid-seventeenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rock crystal, gilt bronze, silver”
  • “1 3/4 × 1 3/8 in. (4.4 × 3.5 cm)”
  • “Swiss, Geneva”

Dial and Aesthetic Features

The dial of the watch is marked by an intricate design that features a central engraved scene, which appears to depict a landscape or architectural arrangement. The numerals are marked in Roman script, arranged in a traditional circular layout. The hands are placed centrally against the engraved backdrop.

This decorative treatment of the dial is a primary visual feature. It is housed within the gilt metal and silver frame, which supports the hinge for the crystal-inset cover.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch made by Jaques Sermand (Swiss, 1595–1651)”
  • “ca. 1620–50”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, assigned the accession number 17.190.1015. It was acquired by the institution as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The museum classifies the item within its Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

The documentation provided by the museum lists the item as being made by Jaques Sermand. The source notes that while the maker is identified, further research is required to verify the specific history of the piece against wider horological records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1015”
  • “European Sculpture and Decorative Arts”

Open research questions

  • What is the state of the original movement and its specific escapement type?
  • Are there any identifiable maker's marks or signatures located on the movement plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Jaques Sermand
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaques Sermand“Watchmaker: Jaques Sermand (Swiss, 1595–1651)”
Dateca. 1620–50“ca. 1620–50”
MaterialsRock crystal, gilt bronze, silver“Rock crystal, gilt bronze, silver”
Dimensions1 3/4 × 1 3/8 in. (4.4 × 3.5 cm)“1 3/4 × 1 3/8 in. (4.4 × 3.5 cm)”
Accession Number17.190.1015“17.190.1015”
Credit LineGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
Place of ManufactureGeneva, Switzerland“Swiss, Geneva”

Visible details

  • The watch features a prominent, convex rock crystal back.
  • A hinged cover with a rock crystal insert protects the dial.
  • The dial surface appears to be engraved with a landscape or architectural scene.
  • The dial displays Roman numerals indicating the hours.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement condition is not described in the source.
  • The authenticity of specific components, such as hands or internal parts, is not verified by the provided documentation.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Jaques Sermand, Swiss, Geneva, ca. 1620–50

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 89221c7363

Terms in this record

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

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