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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch by Paul Roumieu

Partially verified

This watch is a horological piece by the watchmaker Paul Roumieu (died 1694) of Rouen, France. Dated to approximately 1630–1670, the object is documented by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in their European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection under the accession number 17.190.1597. The piece is constructed from silver, leather, and enamel materials. It measures 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. The item was gifted to the museum by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. Detailed examination of the movement, dial, and hallmarks remains necessary to determine specific mechanical characteristics or potential later modifications to the original components of this antique timepiece.

A front view of the watch, showing the decorative circular case and suspension loop.
A front view of the watch, showing the decorative circular case and suspension loop. — 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
Paul Roumieu
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1597
Source-reported date
ca. 1630–70
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

Case Construction

The watch case is constructed using a combination of silver, leather, and enamel. It has a circular form with a diameter of 1 1/2 inches, or 3.8 cm. The visible exterior shows significant decorative detailing, suggesting a complex assembly process consistent with horological items of the mid-seventeenth century.

The suspension loop is securely fastened to the upper portion of the case, allowing for standard carriage of the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver, leather, enamel”
  • “Diameter: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)”

Maker and Attribution

The timepiece is attributed to the French watchmaker Paul Roumieu, who was active in Rouen and died in 1694. The attribution of the object to this maker is maintained by The Metropolitan Museum of Art within their departmental records for European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

Given the date range of 1630–1670, the piece aligns with the latter half of the seventeenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Paul Roumieu (French, died 1694)”
  • “ca. 1630–70”

Institutional Provenance

The watch entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is recorded under the accession number 17.190.1597 and is classified within the institution's horological collection.

The museum retains this object as part of its permanent holdings. The documentation provided by the museum serves as the primary basis for the identification and categorization of the item within the horological field.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1597.”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks or maker's marks are present on the inner case back of this watch?
  • How does the movement architecture compare to other documented works attributed to Paul Roumieu of Rouen?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Paul Roumieu
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Roumieu“Watchmaker: Paul Roumieu (French, died 1694)”
Dateca. 1630–70“ca. 1630–70”
MaterialsSilver, leather, enamel“Silver, leather, enamel”
Accession number17.190.1597“17.190.1597”
Diameter1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)“Diameter: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)”
ProvenanceGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”
LocationThe Metropolitan Museum of Art“The Metropolitan Museum of Art”

Visible details

  • Case exterior features extensive decorative work
  • Suspension loop is attached to the top of the case
  • Surface appears to utilize leather inlay or covering
  • Small metallic elements are distributed across the outer case surface

Research qualifications

  • Movement and internal mechanical integrity remain unverified
  • Authenticity of individual internal components against the documented exterior is not confirmed

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

Consulted source

Watch by Paul Roumieu, French, Rouen, ca. 1630–70

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b6188d262e

Terms in this record

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

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