Component · Pocket watch housed in a sirih box

Watch in sirih box

Partially verified

This horological object, identified as BK-15048 in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, comprises a watch encased within a silver sirih box. The assembly dates to the late 18th century, specifically between 1750 and 1800. The entire unit measures 8.4 cm in diameter, with a height of 10.8 cm, a width of 8.4 cm, and a depth of 6 cm. Constructed from silver, the object combines horological timekeeping functions with the traditional design of a sirihdoos, a container used for betel leaf preparations. The item is held by the Rijksmuseum, which records its classification as both a watch and a sirihdoos.

Exterior view of the silver sirih box containing a watch, displaying its repoussé ornamentation and suspension loop. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: orbiscollectibles.com
Category: Component · Pocket watch housed in a sirih box
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: BK-15048
Source-reported date: 1750 - 1800
Source-reported place: Not established

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 Design

The object is composed of a watch integrated into a sirih box, a container historically used in Southeast Asian traditions for storing sirih (betel) ingredients. The exterior is crafted from silver and displays elaborate ornamentation across its surface, characterized by repeating decorative patterns. The circular form of the box serves as the primary enclosure for the timepiece, suggesting a function that blends decorative metalwork with horological utility.

The dimensions of the object are recorded as 8.4 cm in diameter and 8.4 cm in width, with a height of 10.8 cm and a depth of 6 cm. These proportions indicate a substantial vessel designed for portability or storage, featuring a prominent hinge and suspension loop at the apex, which allows for the box to be handled or possibly suspended.

Evidence for this section

“Sirih box of silver containing a watch with a white-enamelled dial with Roman numerals.”
“measurements diameter 8.4 cm x height 10.8 cm x width 8.4 cm x depth 6 cm”

Horological Components

The watch contained within the silver box features a white-enamelled dial, a common material for timepieces produced during the 18th century. The dial is marked with Roman numerals, which provide the primary time-telling interface. Because the interior mechanism remains enclosed within the sirih box according to the museum documentation, specific details regarding the movement, escapement type, or caliber are not provided in the source record.

The Rijksmuseum classifies this object within their collection as a combination of watch and jewellery, reflecting its dual purpose as a functional instrument and a decorative accessory.

Evidence for this section

“Sirih box of silver containing a watch with a white-enamelled dial with Roman numerals.”
“Museum classification wrist watch · sirihdoos · jewellery”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is officially catalogued by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under the inventory number BK-15048. This accession number serves as the primary identifier for the piece in academic and institutional records. The museum's documentation provides the physical specifications and general description, placing the object within the period of 1750 to 1800.

As the object is part of a museum collection, its status as a documented artifact is established through institutional cataloguing. The source note indicates that the description is based on the museum's Dutch catalogue text. No further provenance, previous ownership, or maker marks are provided, leaving the origin of the internal movement and the silver box craft as subjects for future research.

Evidence for this section

“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-15048”
“Period 1750 - 1800”

Open research questions

What is the maker or origin of the movement contained within the silver housing?
Are there any identifiable marks or hallmarks on the silver box that indicate its manufacturing location or silversmith?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch in sirih box
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Material	silver (metal)	“silver (metal)”
Object number	BK-15048	“BK-15048”
Date	1750 - 1800	“1750 - 1800”
Measurements	diameter 8.4 cm x height 10.8 cm x width 8.4 cm x depth 6 cm	“diameter 8.4 cm x height 10.8 cm x width 8.4 cm x depth 6 cm”
Dial description	white-enamelled dial with Roman numerals	“white-enamelled dial with Roman numerals”

Visible details

The external casing features dense, repoussé or chased floral and geometric patterning.
A hinged suspension loop is fixed to the top of the silver box.

Research qualifications

The maker and specific place of origin are currently unverified in the source.
The precise internal movement mechanics are not visible or documented in the provided source.

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

Consulted source

Watch in sirih box

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9416d035c1

Terms in this record

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