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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lépine-style watch

Watch of gold

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under the accession number BK-NM-12883. Attributed to the period between circa 1840 and circa 1860, the watch features a distinct lobed case construction. The horological object is equipped with a silver dial, and its back lid is decorated with a combination of enamel and pearls. A chain is present as part of the ensemble. The watch measures 4.4 centimeters in diameter, with a height of 5.8 centimeters, a width of 4.4 centimeters, and a depth of 1 centimeter. The total length including the chain is 17.3 centimeters. The materials used in its construction are recorded as pearl, gold, and silver. The object is officially classified within the museum's records as a wristwatch or piece of jewellery, although it functions as a portable timepiece with an attached chain.

Front view of the gold watch (BK-NM-12883) showing the lobed case, silver dial, and attached enamel-decorated chain.
Front view of the gold watch (BK-NM-12883) showing the lobed case, silver dial, and attached enamel-decorated chain. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lépine-style watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12883
Source-reported date
c. 1840 - c. 1860
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

Case and Aesthetic Construction

The watch case is constructed from gold and is defined by its lobed profile, which provides a scalloped appearance around the perimeter. The front lid of the watch is finished in a smooth gold, while the back lid serves as a canvas for decorative elements, featuring an alternating application of enamel and small pearls.

The aesthetic is further carried through to the accompanying chain, which is composed of articulated links. These links are adorned with black enamel and white enamel patterns. The overall dimension of the watch head is 4.4 centimeters in diameter, with a total ensemble length of 17.3 centimeters when including the chain components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch of gold with silver dial and lobed case”
  • “back lid is decorated alternately with enamel and pearls”

Dial and Timekeeping Interface

The watch utilizes a silver dial which is centrally engraved or engine-turned. The dial features Roman numerals distributed around the chapter ring. The hands are blued, contrasting with the light tone of the silver dial surface.

The watch is designed to be operated with an external winding or setting implement, which is attached to the end of the chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch of gold with silver dial”
  • “diameter 4.4 cm x height 5.8 cm x width 4.4 cm x depth 1 cm”

Provenance and Archival Data

The object is part of the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is catalogued under the entry BK-NM-12883 and is identified in Dutch as 'Horloge van goud'. The museum classification identifies the piece under the headings of wrist watch and jewellery.

The technical specifications provided by the museum denote the use of gold, silver, and pearl in its assembly. The documentation of this piece is currently limited to the internal records of the Rijksmuseum, and the object has not yet been correlated with external horological maker marks or specific catalogue entries from manufacturers.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12883”
  • “Museum classification wrist watch · jewellery”

Open research questions

  • Confirm the identity of the maker based on the 'LEROY' marking visible on the dial, if applicable to this specific specimen.
  • Verify if the classification 'wrist watch' refers to a conversion or an original design intent for a strap-based attachment.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch of gold
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”
Accession NumberBK-NM-12883“BK-NM-12883”
Date Rangec. 1840 - c. 1860“c. 1840 - c. 1860”
Materialspearl, gold, silver“pearl, gold (metal), silver (metal)”
Case Diameter4.4 cm“diameter 4.4 cm”
Total Length17.3 cm“geheel: lengte 17,3 cm”
Design Detailslobed case, enamel and pearls“lobed case. The front lid is smooth and the back lid is decorated alternately with enamel and pearls”

Visible details

  • The case features a distinct lobed or scalloped edge
  • The silver dial displays Roman numerals for the hour markers
  • The chain is decorated with black enamel and white floral-style motifs
  • A small winding or setting tool is attached to the chain

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker of the timepiece is not specified in the source
  • The classification as a 'wrist watch' in the museum record may be an archival taxonomy rather than an indication of original wear method

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

Consulted source

Watch of gold, c. 1840 - c. 1860 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-NM-12883)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 28b43dd53f

Terms in this record

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