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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch with the Holy Family and St John the Baptist

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch is attributed to the clockmaker Johannes Kornman of Friedberg, Bavaria, and dated between circa 1700 and 1720. The watch is distinguished by its decorative program, featuring enamel painting on the exterior. The primary motif depicts the Holy Family with the young St. John the Baptist. In addition to the main scene, the case back incorporates four separate medallions featuring enamel paintings. The watch is constructed primarily of gold and enamel. The piece was acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 1937 as part of the Maurits Elzas collection, a bequest that included 107 watches in total. The provenance indicates that the piece previously appeared in a 1925 Amsterdam auction held by F. Muller. While the movement maker is identified, the goldsmith responsible for the casing remains anonymous, with the museum notes suggesting a possible Swiss origin for the metalwork.

Front view of the gold and enamel pocket watch showing the Roman numeral dial and central enamel painting.
Front view of the gold and enamel pocket watch showing the Roman numeral dial and central enamel painting. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Johannes Kornman
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-15065
Source-reported date
ca. 1700 - ca. 1720
Source-reported place
Friedberg (Beieren)

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 Decorative Features

The watch case is crafted from gold and is extensively decorated with enamel work. The primary thematic focus of the decoration is religious, specifically illustrating the Holy Family and the young Saint John the Baptist.

Beyond the primary scene, the reverse of the case is embellished with four additional medallions. Each of these medallions contains its own enamel painting, contributing to the overall complexity of the watch's exterior ornamentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Horloge van goud, met een emailschildering, voorstellende de Heilige Familie en de kleine Johannes.”
  • “Op de achterbodem zijn vier medaillons met emailschilderingen.”

Maker and Origins

The watch is attributed to the clockmaker Johannes Kornman, who was based in Friedberg, Bavaria. The production period for this item is estimated by the institution to fall between approximately 1700 and 1720.

The identification of the goldsmith remains uncertain, with records noting an anonymous hand. The museum documents suggest the possibility that the casing was manufactured in Switzerland.

Evidence for this section
  • “uurwerkmaker: Johannes Kornman, Friedberg (Beieren)”
  • “edelsmid: anoniem, Zwitserland (mogelijk)”

Provenance and Collection History

This object was part of the Maurits Elzas collection. The provenance record confirms that it was sold at an anonymous auction in Amsterdam organized by F. Muller in June 1925, where it was purchased by Maurits Elzas.

Following his death in 1937, Maurits Elzas bequeathed this watch, along with a larger collection of 106 other timepieces, to the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “anonymous sale, Amsterdam (F. Muller), 16 (18) June 1925”
  • “by whom bequeathed with 106 other watches, as part of the 'Maurits Elzas Collection', to the museum, 1937”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical layout and escapement type housed within the gold case?
  • Can the origin of the enamel work be confirmed as Swiss given the anonymous attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with the Holy Family and St John the Baptist
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohannes Kornman“uurwerkmaker: Johannes Kornman, Friedberg (Beieren)”
MaterialsGold and enamel“Horloge van goud, met een emailschildering”
Dateca. 1700 - ca. 1720“ca. 1700 - ca. 1720”
AcquisitionBequest from Maurits Elzas in 1937“legaat 1937”
DecorationFour medallions on the back“Op de achterbodem zijn vier medaillons met emailschilderingen.”
Previous OwnershipMaurits Elzas (1868-1937)“to Maurits Elzas (1868-1937), Arnhem, 1925”
Accession NumberBK-15065“Objectnummer BK-15065”

Visible details

  • Engraved Roman numeral chapter ring on a metal dial
  • Central enamel painted scene on the dial
  • Gold case with enameled elements
  • Pendant-set bow mechanism at the 12 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • The goldsmith's identity is noted as 'anoniem' with a suggestion of possible Swiss origin
  • The exact production date remains approximate within a two-decade range

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

Consulted source

Watch with the Holy Family and St John the Baptist

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3c0c1d5b11

Terms in this record

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

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