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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch with revolving portraits

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession 83.1.74), is a timepiece featuring revolving portraits. The watch is attributed to the maker Denis Miroglio (also recorded as Miroli), who lived between 1682 and before 1748. Constructed from silver, niello, and enamel, the object measures approximately 5.1 cm (2 inches) in diameter. It is documented as a Swiss production from Geneva, dating to the 18th century. The piece is currently part of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department at the Metropolitan Museum. The documentation provided confirms its status as a single museum object, though it notes that comparisons to wider object types of this nature have not been independently verified by the museum records.

View of the watch face with the revolving portrait aperture, dial numerals, and signature.
View of the watch face with the revolving portrait aperture, dial numerals, and signature. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Denis Miroglio
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
83.1.74
Source-reported date
18th century
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

The watch is housed in a circular case constructed from silver and finished with niello and enamel details. The diameter of the case is measured at 2 inches (5.1 cm).

The dial layout incorporates a distinct aperture designed to display revolving portraits, a mechanical feature that rotates the images contained within the dial assembly. A ring of Arabic numerals marking the minutes is positioned around the outer edge of the dial, while the central portion is engraved with decorative motifs surrounding the portrait area.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver, niello, enamel”
  • “Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”

Movement and Mechanism

Photographs of the interior reveal the movement, which is accessed by opening the case. The structure includes a prominent balance wheel assembly and a bridge supporting the balance. The movement architecture shows clear evidence of manual construction, with the signature of the watchmaker visible on the bridge structure.

The revolving portrait mechanism is integrated into the dial-side of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch with revolving portraits made by Denis Miroglio (or Miroli) (1682–before 1748)”

Provenance and Documentation

This object is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 83.1.74. It was acquired as part of the Bequest of George White Thorne in 1883.

The record is officially catalogued within the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. The provenance is linked to the museum's own archives, which attribute the work to Denis Miroglio from the 18th-century Swiss industry in Geneva.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 83.1.74”
  • “Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883”

Open research questions

  • What is the exact mechanical method by which the portraits are rotated during the hour cycle?
  • Does the name 'Miroglio' appear as an original signature on the movement plate?
  • Are there other extant timepieces by Denis Miroglio that exhibit similar revolving portrait functions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with revolving portraits
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDenis Miroglio (or Miroli)“Watchmaker: Denis Miroglio (or Miroli) (1682–before 1748)”
Date18th century“18th century”
CountrySwitzerland, Geneva“Swiss, Geneva”
MaterialsSilver, niello, enamel“Silver, niello, enamel”
Dimensions5.1 cm“Diameter: 2 in. (5.1 cm)”
Museum Number83.1.74“83.1.74”
Holding InstitutionThe Metropolitan Museum of Art“The Metropolitan Museum of Art”

Visible details

  • The watch face features an aperture displaying a portrait that changes as the mechanism rotates.
  • The dial includes Arabic numerals in 5-minute increments along the perimeter.
  • The case exterior is decorated with floral patterns.
  • The movement is exposed with a visible balance wheel and bridge work when the case is opened.

Research qualifications

  • The museum record notes that the watch is a single specimen and the representativeness of the wider type is not verified.
  • The maker name is recorded with an alternative spelling, 'Miroli', indicating uncertainty in the exact identity or spelling.
  • The specific mechanical functioning of the revolving portraits is not fully described in the source.

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

Consulted source

Watch with revolving portraits

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 71f3909026

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records