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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Octagonal watch

Watch by Pierre Vernede

Partially verified

This octagonal watch is attributed to the watchmaker Pierre Vernede, who was active in Agen, France, circa 1630–40. The piece is dated to approximately 1650. The watch construction features a case made of rock crystal with enameled gold mounts. The dial is composed of gold, featuring champlevé and painted enamel ornamentation. The internal movement is constructed from gilded brass and includes partly blued steel components. The overall dimensions of the object are 1 1/4 by 1 1/16 by 1 inches (3.2 by 2.7 by 2.5 cm). The watch is currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the gift of J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. The design incorporates painted floral motifs on the interior of the crystal lid and elaborate scrollwork on the movement bridge.

The movement plate of the Pierre Vernede watch, showing the signature and bridge details.
The movement plate of the Pierre Vernede watch, showing the signature and bridge details. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Octagonal watch
Maker / attribution
Pierre Vernede
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1579
Source-reported date
ca. 1650
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 Case

The watch is housed in a distinctive octagonal case constructed from carved rock crystal accented with enameled gold mounts. The crystal lid, which is hinged to allow access to the dial, features delicate painted enamel floral decorations on its interior surface.

The exterior mounts and the protective framework are composed of enameled gold. These mounts secure the rock crystal panels, providing a rigid structure for the movement while allowing visibility of the internal mechanics.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: rock crystal and enameled gold mounts”
  • “Overall: 1 1/4 × 1 1/16 × 1 in. (3.2 × 2.7 × 2.5 cm).”

Movement and Dial

The dial is crafted from gold and utilizes both champlevé and painted enamel techniques to delineate the chapter ring and ornamental features. A single hand indicates the time against the dial's markers. The watch is powered by a movement made primarily of gilded brass, with select components produced in partly blued steel to provide contrast and durability.

The movement bridge is ornately decorated with scrollwork engravings. The maker’s signature, 'P. Vernede / Agen', is inscribed directly onto the gilded brass plate,

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: gold, champlevé enamel, and painted enamel; Movement: gilded brass and partly blued steel.”
  • “Watch made by Pierre Vernede (active Agen, ca. 1630–40)”

Provenance and Identification

The timepiece is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, having entered the institution as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is catalogued under the accession number 17.190.1579, serving as a documented example of the work of Pierre Vernede.

The museum records attribute the watch to the mid-17th century, specifically circa 1650. While the maker's period of activity is noted as approximately 1630–1640, the object itself is dated to the subsequent decade. The attribution and the status of the maker remain consistent with the museum’s internal documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1579”
  • “Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement escapement conform to the specific technical standards of other Pierre Vernede watches?
  • Is there further documentation regarding the specific commissioning of this piece beyond the museum's provenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Pierre Vernede
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPierre Vernede“Watch made by Pierre Vernede (active Agen, ca. 1630–40)”
Dateca. 1650“dated ca. 1650”
MaterialsRock crystal, enameled gold, brass, steel“Case: rock crystal and enameled gold mounts; Dial: gold, champlevé enamel, and painted enamel; Movement: gilded brass and partly blued steel.”
Dimensions1 1/4 × 1 1/16 × 1 in.“Overall: 1 1/4 × 1 1/16 × 1 in. (3.2 × 2.7 × 2.5 cm).”
Museum Accession17.190.1579“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.190.1579”
OriginAgen, France“French, Agen”
CreditGift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917“Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Visible details

  • Octagonal crystal case with enameled gold mounts
  • Signed 'P. Vernede / Agen' on the movement plate
  • Floral enamel painted on the underside of the crystal cover
  • Single hand centrally mounted on the dial

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture remains an estimate attributed to circa 1650
  • The wider type, maker, and date require verification against a specialist reference

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

Consulted source

Watch, Pierre Vernede, ca. 1650

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f98f02fb40

Terms in this record

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

Other octagonal watch records