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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch with Date Indicator

Partially verified

This gold cylinder watch, currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (accession number BK-NM-12838), features an integrated date indicator. Constructed from gold and silver metals, the timepiece utilizes gilding techniques in its execution. The watch face is composed of a silver dial featuring a fine guilloche pattern, housing a circular chapter ring with Roman numerals for the hours. A specific date aperture is positioned at the top of the dial. The piece measures 4.2 cm in diameter. Attributed to the period between circa 1819 and circa 1838, the watch remains a singular museum object for which no specific maker, place of origin, or textual inscriptions have been documented within the existing record. The object serves as a documented example of early 19th-century horological production within the Rijksmuseum's holdings, reflecting the standard material combination of precious metals found in timepieces of this era.

Front view of the gold cylinder watch showing the silver guilloche dial and date indicator window.
Front view of the gold cylinder watch showing the silver guilloche dial and date indicator window. — 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
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12838
Source-reported date
c. 1819 - c. 1838
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 Dial Construction

The object is characterized by its gold metal housing, which provides a circular frame for the internal components. The case is finished with a pendant and bow at the top, facilitating suspension. Its diameter is recorded at 4.2 cm.

The dial is crafted from silver and features a detailed guilloche pattern across its surface. Roman numerals are set in a circular configuration to indicate the hours. A prominent date aperture is located at the top of the dial, positioned above the center of the hour ring. No textual legends or signatures are visible on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold metal and silver metal”
  • “guilloche silver dial”
  • “diameter of 4.2 cm”
  • “There are no inscriptions, legends, or other textual markings documented for this object”

Technical Classification

The fabrication involves the use of gilding techniques applied to the metallic components.

Within the museum's database, the object is categorized under both jewellery and wrist watch classifications. The creation date is placed within a range extending from circa 1819 to circa 1838. No specific issuer or workshop is identified in the current records.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold cylinder watch”
  • “documented technique is gild”
  • “categorized by the museum under the classifications of jewellery and wrist watch”
  • “dated to between circa 1819 and circa 1838”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is currently part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, identified by the unique museum object number BK-NM-12838. Documentation is derived from the museum's internal records and catalogue.

No specific provenance history or previous ownership details are listed for this item. Research into the specific maker and the wider type of this watch remains an active requirement as per the provided records.

Evidence for this section
  • “held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the museum object number BK-NM-12838”
  • “this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of cylinder escapement used in this watch movement?
  • Can the provenance of this object be traced to a specific maker or region given the stylistic attributes?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with Date Indicator
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object numberBK-NM-12838“BK-NM-12838”
Datec. 1819 - c. 1838“c. 1819 - c. 1838”
MaterialsGold and silver“gold (metal), silver (metal)”
Dimensions4.2 cm diameter“diameter 4.2 cm”
DialGuilloche silver dial“guilloche silver dial”
Holding institutionRijksmuseum“Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam”

Visible details

  • Guilloche texture on the silver dial surface
  • Roman numeral hour markers in a circular layout
  • Single date aperture at the 12 o'clock position
  • Bow and pendant attachment at the top of the gold case

Research qualifications

  • The exact maker of the timepiece is currently unidentified.
  • The functional status and internal movement components have not been detailed.

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

Consulted source

Watch with Date Indicator

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record dc65bcb655

Terms in this record

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

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