Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch of gold

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch, held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (accession number BK-NM-12847), is dated to between approximately 1800 and 1900. The object is composed of gold and features an enamelled dial. The dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and includes a winding hole. The hand set consists of two star-shaped hands. The case back is decorated with an oval portrait of a masked woman. According to the museum's documentation, the case of the watch is false. The object measures 4.3 cm in diameter, with a height of 6.4 cm, width of 4.2 cm, and a depth of 2 cm. The dial shows a signature reading "VACHERON FRERES A GENEVE".

Front view of the gold pocket watch featuring a white enamelled dial with Roman numerals, star-shaped hands, and a winding aperture.
Front view of the gold pocket watch featuring a white enamelled dial with Roman numerals, star-shaped hands, and a winding aperture. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
BK-NM-12847
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12847
Source-reported date
c. 1800 - c. 1900
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 External Features

The object is constructed of gold, as reported by the Rijksmuseum. The most distinct feature on the exterior is the case back, which contains an oval-shaped portrait depicting a masked woman. This decorative element is the primary visible detail on the reverse side of the object.

The overall dimensions of the watch are recorded as 4.3 cm in diameter, 6.4 cm in height, 4.2 cm in width, and 2 cm in depth. The Rijksmuseum documentation specifies that the case is considered 'false', though the source provides no further explanation regarding the technical or historical basis for this classification. The physical appearance shows a circular gold casing with a textured edge surrounding the crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold (metal)”
  • “On the case back in an oval is a portrait of a masked woman.”
  • “The case is false.”

Dial and Indication

The watch face is an enamelled dial featuring Roman numerals marking the hours. The numerals are arranged in a circular track around the outer edge. The center of the dial is occupied by a pair of star-shaped hands that extend towards the hour markers. Positioned to the right of the center is a winding hole, indicating the watch requires a key for operation.

A signature is present on the lower half of the dial, reading 'VACHERON FRERES A GENEVE'. The presence of this name, combined with the museum's classification of the object as a 'forgery', suggests that the inscription may be unauthorized or not associated with the legitimate Vacheron firm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch, with enamelled dial.”
  • “jewellery · wrist watch · forgery”

Collection Status and Provenance

The watch is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the inventory number BK-NM-12847. The institution classifies the item within their collection using the labels of 'jewellery', 'wrist watch', and 'forgery'.

The estimated date range for the object is broad, spanning from approximately 1800 to 1900. The Rijksmuseum serves as the primary authority for these records, and the object remains part of their historical collection as documented in their digital repository.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12847”
  • “jewellery · wrist watch · forgery”
  • “c. 1800 - c. 1900”

Open research questions

  • What specific characteristics led the Rijksmuseum to classify this item as a 'forgery'?
  • Does the movement inside the case match the quality and specifications of the signed dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch of gold
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgold (metal)“gold (metal)”
Diameter4.3 cm“diameter 4.3 cm”
Height6.4 cm“height 6.4 cm”
Width4.2 cm“width 4.2 cm”
Depth2 cm“depth 2 cm”
Museum Classificationjewellery, wrist watch, forgery“jewellery · wrist watch · forgery”
Case Decorationoval portrait of a masked woman“On the case back in an oval is a portrait of a masked woman.”

Visible details

  • The dial bears the signature 'VACHERON FRERES A GENEVE' below the central hand arbor.
  • The dial features a winding aperture located near the 3 o'clock position.
  • The hand set includes two ornate, star-shaped hands.
  • The case includes an external bow and pendant for suspension.

Research qualifications

  • The museum classifies the object as a 'forgery', implying the signature or construction may not be original to the brand mentioned.
  • The museum description explicitly states that the case is 'false', creating uncertainty regarding its historical integrity.

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

Consulted source

Watch of gold, c. 1800 - c. 1900 (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, BK-NM-12847)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fb4ceed439

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records