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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Alarm pocket watch

Watch with a Tooled Outer Case

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (accession number BK-NM-3201), dates to approximately 1710. It features a silver case construction with an outer protective case that is both pierced and chased with openwork decoration, paired with an inner silver case. The watch is distinguished by a silver dial and includes an integrated alarm mechanism. The movement is powered by a fusee-and-chain mechanism and incorporates an engraved spring barrel. A mark, identified as 'P.', appears on the object. The watch measures approximately 5.3 centimeters in diameter, while the outer case has a diameter of 6 centimeters.

A detailed view of the silver-cased alarm pocket watch (BK-NM-3201) showing the dial and pendant.
A detailed view of the silver-cased alarm pocket watch (BK-NM-3201) showing the dial and pendant. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Alarm pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-3201
Source-reported date
c. 1710
Source-reported place
Netherlands

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 Exterior

The watch is encased in a protective outer silver shell, which is pierced and chased with intricate openwork designs. This secondary case is intended to protect the inner watch mechanism while allowing sound from the alarm to pass through. The inner case is described as possessing similar decorative characteristics.

The overall diameter of the watch is 5.3 centimeters, while the outer case measures 6 centimeters. The construction employs engraving and drawn thread work, demonstrating the decorative metalwork styles applied to timepieces of this era.

Evidence for this section
  • “silver outer case pierced and chased with openwork, inner case ditto”
  • “technique drawn thread work, engraving”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece functions using a traditional fusee-and-chain movement, a common mechanism for maintaining consistent torque to the escapement throughout the duration of the winding cycle. The watch includes an integrated alarm function, indicating it was designed for audible time signaling.

Internal components include an engraved spring barrel. A mark consisting of the letter 'P.' is present on the object, though this does not currently provide a specific attribution to a known maker or workshop.

Evidence for this section
  • “with alarm, fusee-and-chain movement, engraved spring barrel”
  • “marked: P.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, registered under accession number BK-NM-3201. The museum records provide the technical specifications and dating for the watch, which are utilized for this reference entry.

The museum identifies the watch as a piece of jewellery as well as a horological instrument. The object is classified within their collection as a pocket watch and has been dated to approximately 1710.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-3201”
  • “Museum classification pocket watch · jewellery”

Open research questions

  • What specific maker or workshop corresponds to the mark 'P.' recorded on this movement?
  • Are there extant historical records detailing the intended function of the alarm mechanism in this specific model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with a Tooled Outer Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datec. 1710“c. 1710”
Accession NumberBK-NM-3201“BK-NM-3201”
MaterialsSilver“silver (metal)”
Dimensions5.3 cm“diameter 5.3 cm”
Movement typeFusee-and-chain“fusee-and-chain movement”
MarkingsP.“marked: P.”
TechniqueEngraving and drawn thread work“drawn thread work, engraving”

Visible details

  • The dial features an engraved central floral motif.
  • The watch is fitted with an integrated pendant for suspension.
  • The dial is configured with a single hour hand and an alarm setting disc.
  • The bezel shows decorative engraving consistent with the described chased outer case.

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker associated with the mark 'P.' is not identified.
  • The status of the movement's internal components beyond the fusee and barrel remains unverified.

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

Consulted source

Watch with a Tooled Outer Case

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 716bd164de

Terms in this record

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

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