Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch by Jean Antoine Lépine

Partially verified

This watch, catalogued as accession number 17.101.4, is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is attributed to the watchmaker Jean Antoine Lépine (1720–1814) of Paris. The timepiece dates to the late 18th century and is constructed from gold and enamel materials. The object has a recorded diameter of 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm). As a museum accession, the piece is categorized within the institution's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. This watch was acquired as part of the Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn in 1917. The primary identification is linked to the museum's internal documentation, providing the foundational specifications for its material composition and historical attribution. The physical presence of the object is documented by the museum's online collection database, which serves as the primary repository of information for this specific item in the museum’s current permanent collection.

Watch by Jean Antoine Lépine (17.101.4), showing the decorated exterior casing with relief architectural motifs.
Watch by Jean Antoine Lépine (17.101.4), showing the decorated exterior casing with relief architectural motifs. — 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
Jean Antoine Lépine
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.101.4
Source-reported date
late 18th century
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 object is a watch identified by the Metropolitan Museum of Art as being constructed from gold and enamel. The object has a recorded diameter of 1 1/4 inches or 3.2 centimeters.

Visually, the exterior of the watch case features a relief decoration that incorporates architectural motifs, including columns and a central figure. The pendant and bow assembly are secured to the top of the case, consistent with standard pocket watch construction for the era.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold, enamel”
  • “Diameter: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)”

Maker and Attribution

The timepiece is attributed to the French watchmaker Jean Antoine Lépine. Born in 1720 and active until 1814, Lépine is identified by the museum as the primary maker associated with this object. The record places the origin of the watch in Paris, France.

As an accessioned museum item, the attribution relies on the institution's documentation. The source notes that research may be required to confirm the full specifications of the movement or internal components against broader horological references.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Jean Antoine Lépine (French, 1720–1814)”
  • “Watch by Jean Antoine Lépine, French, Paris, late 18th century”

Provenance and Collection

This object is held within the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 17.101.4. It is managed by the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

The provenance of the watch is traced to the bequest of Laura Frances Hearn in 1917. This bequest facilitated the inclusion of the object into the museum's horological holdings, where it remains catalogued for public reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.101.4.”
  • “Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn, 1917.”

Open research questions

  • What is the condition and type of the movement contained within the gold case?
  • Does the watch contain internal hallmarks or signatures confirming the Lépine attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Jean Antoine Lépine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJean Antoine Lépine“Watchmaker: Jean Antoine Lépine (French, 1720–1814)”
MaterialGold, enamel“Gold, enamel”
Diameter1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)“Diameter: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)”
Accession Number17.101.4“17.101.4”
Datelate 18th century“late 18th century”
ProvenanceBequest of Laura Frances Hearn“Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn, 1917”
DepartmentEuropean Sculpture and Decorative Arts“Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts”

Visible details

  • The watch case features an elaborate relief-style metal application on the exterior cover.
  • The design includes architectural elements such as columns and a central seated figure.
  • The bow and pendant attachment are visible at the 12 o'clock position.
  • The case edge exhibits a decorative, potentially knurled or patterned, trim.

Research qualifications

  • The source does not provide details regarding the movement or dial condition.
  • The maker attribution is stated as 'Watchmaker: Jean Antoine Lépine', requiring verification of individual component signatures.

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

Consulted source

Watch by Jean Antoine Lépine, French, Paris, late 18th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e26ab9cf65

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records