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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Gold pocket watch with repoussé case

Watch with the Adoration of the Shepherds

Partially verified

This pocket watch, catalogued as BK-1958-32, is attributed to Amsterdam-based horologist Jan Marc Juntès, dating from between 1750 and 1775. The watch features a gold case with repoussé decoration depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds on the back, supplemented by figures of angels in relief. The edge of the case is engraved with the text 'GLOIRE SOIT À DIEU; AUX LIEUX TRÈS HAUTS ET EN TERRE PAIX; ENVER LES HOMMES BONNE VOLONTÉ'. Internally, the watch is signed 'J.M. Juntes Amsterdam' on the plate. The piece includes a sharkskin protective case adorned with gilt copper studs. Hallmarks found inside the inner case include the year letter 'C' for 1762, the Amsterdam city mark, and the master's mark 'PB' in a rectangle for Paulus Bellanger, who produced the case. It stands 2.6 cm high with a diameter of 4.5 cm and weighs 94 grams.

Front view showing the enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals.
Front view showing the enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Pocket watch · Gold pocket watch with repoussé case
Maker / attribution
Jan Marc Juntès
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-1958-32
Source-reported date
ca. 1750 - ca. 1775
Source-reported place
Netherlands

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 and Decoration

The watch is housed in an elaborate gold case featuring repoussé work. The reverse side depicts the 'Adoration of the Shepherds', a scene enriched with figures of angels, one of which is rendered in particularly high relief to add depth to the composition. The outer edge or band of the case serves as a space for a lengthy inscription in French, which translates to a religious proclamation of peace and goodwill.

Complementing the metallic construction is a protective etui or outer case covered in sharkskin. This secondary casing is detailed with decorative gilt copper studs, providing a contrast in texture and color.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gouden horloge in losse gedreven kast met op de achterzijde de aanbidding der herders, daarboven zwevende engelen, waarvan een in zeer hoog reliëf.”
  • “Op de rand: GLOIRE SOIT À DIEU; AUX LIEUX TRÈS HAUTS ET EN TERRE PAIX; ENVER LES HOMMES BONNE VOLONTÉ.”
  • “Etui van haaienvel, versierd met verguld koperen spijkerkoppen.”

Signatures, Hallmarks, and Production

The movement is formally signed by the Amsterdam watchmaker Jan Marc Juntès on the plate. The production of the gold casing is attributed to the Amsterdam goldsmith Paulus Bellanger, identified by the mark 'PB' in a rectangular field under a crown. These details are supported by historical records of Amsterdam marks.

The interior of the inner case contains a comprehensive series of hallmarks that certify the material and origin. These include the Dutch lion as a quality mark, the city mark of Amsterdam, and a year letter 'C' corresponding to the year 1762. Additionally, a tax mark 'V' is struck on the pendant and hinge, indicating the object was present during the 1814-1831 taxation period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Het horloge is op de platine gemerkt: J M Juntes Amsterdam.”
  • “meesterteken, binnenkant binnenkast, afgeslagen: PB in rechthoek onder kroon”
  • “jaarletter, binnenkant binnenkast, afgeslagen: ‘C’ (1762)”
  • “stadskeur, binnenkant binnenkast, afgeslagen (Stadskeur Amsterdam.)”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch was acquired by the Rijksmuseum on May 6, 1958. It is currently documented as part of the museum's permanent collection under the accession number BK-1958-32. The provenance and physical attributes have been verified against institutional archives.

The object is classified as both a piece of jewelry and a pocket watch. All technical descriptions, including material specifications and measurements, are maintained by the museum's curatorial department.

Evidence for this section
  • “Objectnummer BK-1958-32”
  • “aankoop 1958-05-06”
  • “Soort kunstwerk sieraad, zakhorloge”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of movement (e.g., verge escapement) is housed within the gold case?
  • Is there further information regarding the provenance of this piece prior to its 1958 acquisition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with the Adoration of the Shepherds
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJan Marc Juntès“uurwerkmaker: Jan Marc Juntès, Amsterdam”
GoldsmithPaulus Bellanger“goudsmid: Paulus Bellanger, Amsterdam”
Date1762 (hallmark)“jaarletter, binnenkant binnenkast, afgeslagen: ‘C’ (1762)”
Case materialGold“Gouden horloge”
Dimensions4.5 cm diameter“diameter 4,5 cm”
Weight94 grams“gewicht (eigenschap) 94 g”
InscriptionGlory to God in the highest“GLOIRE SOIT A DIEU/AUX LIEUX/TRES HAUTS & EN TERRE PAIX/ENVERS LES HOMMES/BONNE VOLONTE”
Additional objectSharkskin case“Etui van haaienvel, versierd met verguld koperen spijkerkoppen.”

Visible details

  • Roman numerals for hours on the enamel dial
  • Arabic numerals for minutes marked at intervals of 5
  • Ornate openwork hands
  • Inscribed religious text along the case band

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture is listed as a range, with 1762 provided as a specific date of assay.
  • The original purpose or patron of the religious-themed engraving is not documented.

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

Consulted source

Watch with the Adoration of the Shepherds

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e44142acb9

Terms in this record

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