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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch with an embossed scene of a warrior paying homage to a queen

Partially verified

This pocket watch is part of the Rijksmuseum collection (object number BK-VBR-353) and is identified as a gold watch featuring an embossed scene on its case. The depiction shows a warrior paying homage to a queen, a design characteristic that distinguishes its external appearance. The watch possesses physical dimensions of 4.6 cm in diameter, a height of 6.1 cm, a width of 4.6 cm, and a depth of 2.6 cm. It is documented within the Rijksmuseum's records, which classify it under their jewellery and watch collections. While the museum record provides specific physical metrics and a thematic description of the decorative case, further horological analysis is required to determine the maker and specific technical specifications of the internal movement or escapement mechanisms present within this specific historical timepiece.

A frontal view of the gold watch showing the Roman numeral dial, decorative casing, and attached museum inventory tags.
A frontal view of the gold watch showing the Roman numeral dial, decorative casing, and attached museum inventory tags. — 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-VBR-353
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-VBR-353
Source-reported date
1738
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

Physical Description and Case Design

The object is a gold watch characterized by a prominent embossed scene on its exterior case. This decorative element portrays a narrative of a warrior offering homage to a queen. The case exhibits intricate floral or scrollwork ornamentation along its border, visible in the archival photograph provided by the Rijksmuseum. The construction is specified as gold, which is consistent with the general classification provided by the holding institution.

The timepiece features a circular white dial marked with Roman numerals for the hours. A prominent crack is visible across the center of the dial surface. The dimensions of the watch are recorded as 4.6 cm in diameter, with a total height of 6.1 cm and a depth of 2.6 cm,

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch. On the case is an embossed scene of a warrior paying homage to a queen.”
  • “diameter 4.6 cm x height 6.1 cm x width 4.6 cm x depth 2.6 cm”

Institutional Documentation

The watch is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where it is catalogued under the object number BK-VBR-353. The museum classification categorises the item within their jewellery and watch collection. The record serves as the primary source of identification and provenance for the object.

Official documentation from the museum indicates that the details provided, including the material and the thematic nature of the embossed case, are based on their internal catalogue text. The source notes that while the information is supported by the institution, further research is necessary to confirm the maker and the broader horological context of this specific piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-VBR-353”
  • “Museum classification jewellery · wrist watch”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Historical Context and Dating

The watch is attributed to the year 1738 according to the documentation provided by the Rijksmuseum. This date is associated with the object's entry in the museum registry, providing a temporal anchor for its production within the eighteenth century. No specific workshop or maker has been identified in the available source records at this time.

The watch remains a subject for further horological study. Research is suggested to confirm the wider type and maker attribution, as the existing records are primarily concerned with the museum inventory and physical documentation of the surviving specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “Period 1738”
  • “Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • Who is the maker of the movement housed within the BK-VBR-353 case?
  • What type of escapement mechanism is utilized in this 1738 watch?
  • Does the maker's signature appear on the dial or movement hidden from the current photographic angle?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with an embossed scene of a warrior paying homage to a queen
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgold (metal)“gold (metal)”
Diameter4.6 cm“diameter 4.6 cm”
Height6.1 cm“height 6.1 cm”
Depth2.6 cm“depth 2.6 cm”
Museum Inventory NumberBK-VBR-353“BK-VBR-353”

Visible details

  • The watch features a white dial with Roman numerals.
  • The case includes decorative engraved or embossed floral scrollwork around the perimeter.
  • A crack is visible running horizontally across the center of the watch dial.
  • The watch has an attached inventory tag reading 'VBn 353' and a museum reference label.

Research qualifications

  • The wider horological type of this watch remains to be independently verified.
  • The maker attribution is not explicitly provided in the current documentation.

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

Consulted source

Watch with an embossed scene of a warrior paying homage to a queen

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record bd395961de

Terms in this record

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

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