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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch with Hector's Farewell

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch, identified as object number BK-NM-12824 in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, is dated to circa 1775. The piece features an enamelled dial and is housed in an outer case displaying a chased relief scene described as Hector's farewell. The watch measures 4 cm in diameter, while the outer case measures 4.8 cm in diameter. The overall construction utilizes gold as the primary metal. The documentation provided by the Rijksmuseum confirms the identity and basic physical dimensions of the piece, though specific information regarding the movement or maker remains currently unverified in the provided source material. The piece is primarily noted for the classical mythological scene depicted in the chasing of its outer protective casing.

A gold watch with an enamelled dial and chased case depicting Hector's farewell, held by the Rijksmuseum.
A gold watch with an enamelled dial and chased case depicting Hector's farewell, held by the Rijksmuseum. — 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-12824
Source-reported date
c. 1775
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 timepiece is constructed primarily from gold. It consists of a watch unit and an outer protective case, providing a total diameter measurement of 4.8 cm for the external housing. The inner watch mechanism is protected by a case measuring 4 cm in diameter.

The dial is finished in enamel and displays Roman numerals for the hour markers. Encircling the dial is a minute track featuring Arabic numerals denoting five-minute intervals. The aesthetic of the case includes chased decorative patterns, featuring a specific scene interpreted as Hector's farewell.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with enamelled dial.”
  • “In the outer case is a chased depiction of Hector's farewell.”
  • “diameter 4 cm (horloge) x diameter 4,8 cm (kast)”

Documentation and Museum Context

The object is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where it is classified under the museum object number BK-NM-12824. The documentation provided for this specific item is derived from the museum's own records, which have been translated from Dutch.

The museum identifies the object as part of their jewellery and wristwatch collection. While the record confirms the physical attributes and the thematic nature of the outer case decoration, it does not currently provide a maker’s name or details regarding the internal horological movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12824”
  • “Museum classification jewellery · wrist watch”

Historical Attribution

The watch is attributed to the period circa 1775. The item remains an isolated object in this catalogue entry.

No further internal markings or serial numbers have been reported in the available source material, limiting current knowledge of its technical provenance. The attribution remains dependent on existing museum records, and no alternative horological sources have been cited to expand upon the object's specific workshop origins.

Evidence for this section
  • “Period c. 1775”

Open research questions

  • Who is the original maker or workshop responsible for the watch mechanism?
  • Are there internal movement markings or hallmarks on the gold case that identify its specific origin or date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with Hector's Farewell
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Accession NumberBK-NM-12824“Museum object number BK-NM-12824”
MaterialGold“Gold watch with enamelled dial.”
Diameter (Watch)4 cm“diameter 4 cm (horloge)”
Diameter (Case)4.8 cm“diameter 4,8 cm (kast)”
Datec. 1775“Period c. 1775”
DecorationChased depiction of Hector's farewell“In the outer case is a chased depiction of Hector's farewell.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Minute track marked in Arabic numerals at 5-minute intervals
  • Openwork decorative hands
  • Gilded case with chased edge ornamentation

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not identified in the source documentation
  • Internal movement specifications and technical details are unverified

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

Consulted source

Watch with Hector's Farewell

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 126cc87e45

Terms in this record

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

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