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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch with châtelaine

Watch with an Allegory of Crowned Fame

Partially verified

This object, catalogued by the Rijksmuseum as BK-NM-12853-A, is a gold pocket watch accompanied by an elaborate multi-strand châtelaine. The timepiece features a white enamelled dial and is encased in gold. The decorative elements of the watch include a glass front bezel ornamented with filigree work and inlaid white stones. The reverse of the watch case is adorned with a polychrome enamel representation depicting two women with a globe, illustrating the allegorical theme of 'Crowned Fame'. The associated châtelaine is constructed with multiple chain strands connected to decorative elements, including blue enamelled sections set with pearls or small white stones. As recorded by the holding institution, the watch has a diameter of 5.6 cm, while the outer case or total assembly measurement is noted at 6.2 cm. The piece is classified by the museum as both jewellery and a watch.

A gold watch with a polychrome enamel back and an ornate matching châtelaine.
A gold watch with a polychrome enamel back and an ornate matching châtelaine. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch with châtelaine
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12853-A
Source-reported date
c. 1825 - c. 1835
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 Decorative Elements

The timepiece is constructed from gold and features a design heavily focused on ornamental detail. The front of the watch is protected by a glass bezel, which is finished with filigree work and set with small white stones. This decorative approach is carried through to the associated châtelaine, which is attached to the watch's pendant.

The reverse of the watch case serves as a canvas for an enamel miniature. This polychrome work depicts an allegory involving two figures, identified as women, positioned alongside a globe. This specific depiction is associated with the theme of 'Crowned Fame'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with a white enamelled dial.”
  • “The glass front bezel is decorated with filigree and white stones.”
  • “On the back, in polychrome enamel, a representation of two women with a globe.”

Châtelaine and Assembly

Attached to the watch is a complex châtelaine designed for wear. It consists of several parallel chains that lead to various ornamental clips or attachments at the top. These elements are consistent with the aesthetic of the watch case, utilizing blue enamel and further stone settings to maintain a cohesive appearance across the entire assembly.

The museum classifies this item as both jewellery and a watch, reflecting the integrated nature of the timepiece and its carrying chain. The total assembly is substantial, as evidenced by the discrepancy between the diameter of the watch itself and the broader measurements of the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12853-A”
  • “Museum classification jewellery · wrist watch”

Museum Provenance and Documentation

The object is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the accession number BK-NM-12853-A. Documentation provided by the museum confirms the primary materials and physical dimensions of the piece. The record indicates that the physical description is based on a translation of the museum's Dutch catalogue.

The current documentation serves as a reference for the object's existence and classification. However, the source notes that this record is a partial view of the object's history and does not provide a confirmed maker or a detailed mechanical description of the movement within.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12853-A”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the 'Ferrier' name appearing on the dial and was this maker responsible for the movement or the case?
  • Does technical examination of the movement indicate a specific production centre in France or elsewhere consistent with the 'A PARIS' marking?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with an Allegory of Crowned Fame
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum object numberBK-NM-12853-A“BK-NM-12853-A”
Materialgold (metal)“gold (metal)”
Techniquefiligree“filigree”
Datec. 1825 - c. 1835“c. 1825 - c. 1835”
Measurements6.2 cm x 5.6 cm“diameter 6.2 cm x diameter 5.6 cm”
Enamel decorationPolychrome enamel representing two women with a globe“On the back, in polychrome enamel, a representation of two women with a globe.”

Visible details

  • The watch is suspended from an extensive multi-strand châtelaine.
  • The châtelaine incorporates blue enamel panels and small white stone or pearl accents.
  • The front bezel exhibits intricate metalwork bordering the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The maker attribution and full horological specifications remain to be independently verified.
  • The precise material composition of the 'white stones' decorating the bezel and châtelaine is not confirmed.

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

Consulted source

Watch with an Allegory of Crowned Fame

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3d2191ec07

Terms in this record

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