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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch by Julien Le Roy

Partially verified

This watch, held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 89.2.70, is attributed to the French horologist Julien Le Roy. Dating to the 18th century, the object is constructed from gold, enamel, and copper. It measures 1 7/8 inches (4.8 cm) in diameter. The piece is part of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection at the museum and was acquired through the gift of Joseph W. Drexel in 1889. Julien Le Roy, born in 1686 in Tours and active in Paris until his death in 1759, was a prominent maker who served as Horloger Ordinaire du Roi to King Louis XV.

Front view of the gold and enamel watch by Julien Le Roy, 18th century.
Front view of the gold and enamel watch by Julien Le Roy, 18th century. — 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
Julien Le Roy
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
89.2.70
Source-reported date
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 watch is documented by The Metropolitan Museum of Art as being constructed from a combination of gold, enamel, and copper. These materials were frequently employed in the manufacture of high-quality timepieces in eighteenth-century Paris. The watch measures 1 7/8 inches in diameter, placing it within the standard dimensions for pocket watches of that era.

The dial features a clear white enamel surface marked with Roman numerals. A central winding aperture is visible, which allows for the tensioning of the mainspring.

Evidence for this section
  • “The museum records its materials as: Gold, enamel, copper.”
  • “Diameter: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm).”

Maker Attribution

Julien Le Roy was a significant figure in the history of French horology, born in 1686 in Tours. He established his professional career in Paris, eventually becoming a master clockmaker in 1713. His professional status was solidified by his appointment as Horloger Ordinaire du Roi to King Louis XV in 1739.

The workshop, located on the Rue du Harlay, remained active under Le Roy until his passing in 1759.

Evidence for this section
  • “Julien Le Roy (French, Tours 1686–1759 Paris)”
  • “Le Roy conducted his horological business from premises in the Rue du Harlay in Paris until his death in 1759.”
  • “His workshop produced watches and clocks during this eighteenth-century period, with manufacturing often involving distinct contributors”

Institutional Provenance

The watch currently resides in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was donated to the institution in 1889 by Joseph W. Drexel, who served as the benefactor for the item. The watch has been officially catalogued as museum object 89.2.70, ensuring its preservation as part of the public collection.

The museum provides access to the object through its digital collection records.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 89.2.70.”
  • “Credit line: Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889.”
  • “Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number contained within this watch?
  • Does the case contain maker's marks or hallmarks that reveal the name of the case manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Julien Le Roy
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJulien Le Roy“Julien Le Roy”
Date18th century“18th century”
Museum Object Number89.2.70“89.2.70”
MaterialsGold, enamel, copper“Gold, enamel, copper”
Diameter1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)“Diameter: 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)”
Credit LineGift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889“Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889”
OriginParis, France“French, Paris”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Ornate engraving visible on the case perimeter
  • Standard bow and pendant assembly at top
  • Single central winding aperture on the dial

Research qualifications

  • The specific case maker and movement serial number are not recorded in the provided source
  • The source notes that replacement dials and hands are common in watches from this period

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

Consulted source

Watch by Julien Le Roy, French, Paris, 18th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f9b13a9df7

Terms in this record

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

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