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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

Watch with Pearls

Partially verified

This watch, held in the Rijksmuseum collection as BK-NM-12869, is an example of early 19th-century horological craft. Measuring 4.5 cm in diameter, the piece features a dial intricately chased in gold and silver. The case is notable for its ornamental construction, with both the front and back covers set with a double row of pearls. The case band, or carrure, is finished with a hatched texture. Inside the case, the number 1754 is marked. Documentation provided by the Rijksmuseum identifies the primary materials as gold, silver, and pearl, with the decorative finishing executed using the technique of ciselure. This object remains in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Front view of the watch featuring a chased dial and a double row of pearls along the bezel.
Front view of the watch featuring a chased dial and a double row of pearls along the bezel. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12869
Source-reported date
c. 1815 - c. 1830
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
1754

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 Construction

The case of this watch is characterized by the use of pearls as a primary decorative element. Both the front and back covers are decorated with a double row of pearls, which are set into the frame. The structural integrity of the case is complemented by a carrure featuring a distinct hatched finish.

The materials utilized for the construction are documented as gold and silver. These metals form the foundation of the case, providing the necessary support for the decorative pearl work.

Evidence for this section
  • “Front and back covers of the case set with a double row of pearls.”
  • “Hatched case band (carrure).”
  • “material recorded as pearl, gold (metal), silver (metal)”

Dial and Decoration

It is executed in gold and silver, employing the technique of ciselure to create texture and visual depth. The design includes Roman numerals arranged in a circular configuration, surrounding a central chased motif.

The visible dial components are integrated into a 4.5 cm diameter assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch with dial chased in gold and silver.”
  • “technique ciselure”
  • “measurements diameter 4.5 cm.”

Provenance and Documentation

This object is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under the accession number BK-NM-12869. The information provided is based on the museum's catalogue records, which identify the object's physical specifications and material composition. The internal marking 1754 serves as a primary identifying feature within the case.

The dating is broadly assigned to the period between circa 1815 and circa 1830. Research is noted as being required to determine specific attribution or maker identification, as the current records focus on the description of the museum object itself.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12869”
  • “Marked inside the case: 1754.”
  • “Period c. 1815 - c. 1830”
  • “Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 1754 correspond to known records of a specific 19th-century workshop?
  • Was the watch intended for use as a pendant or a brooch given the pearl decoration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with Pearls
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Museum numberBK-NM-12869“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12869”
Case markings1754“Marked inside the case: 1754.”
Materialspearl, gold, silver“material recorded as pearl, gold (metal), silver (metal)”
Techniqueciselure“technique ciselure”
Diameter4.5 cm“measurements diameter 4.5 cm.”

Visible details

  • Double row of pearls inset into the case bezel
  • Gold and silver chased dial surface
  • Hatched texture visible on the outer case band
  • Central decorative applied metalwork on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Lack of a maker attribution in the source material
  • Specific function as either a pocket or wrist watch remains ambiguous in museum classification

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

Consulted source

Watch with Pearls

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record acbb1e8ca3

Terms in this record

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

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