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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Gold pocket watch

Watch with two women and a child

Partially verified

The watch, currently held in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam under accession number BK-NM-12861, is constructed of gold. Its design features a white-enamelled dial with traditional numeral markings. The exterior case demonstrates chased decoration described as being executed in three colors (à trois couleurs). Furthermore, the back of the case is decorated with a multicoloured enamelled medallion depicting two women and a child on a coast. The object measures 4.5 cm in diameter. The item is dated to the period circa 1760 to circa 1770. While catalogued within the museum's jewellery and watch classification, it remains an object requiring further horological research regarding its specific mechanical movement and original workshop of origin, as this level of detailed provenance data is not present in the current museum documentation provided for this specific physical entry.

Front view of the gold watch showing the white-enamelled dial, decorative hands, and chased case edge.
Front view of the gold watch showing the white-enamelled dial, decorative hands, and chased case edge. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Gold pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-12861
Source-reported date
c. 1760 - c. 1770
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 Construction and Ornamentation

The object is a gold-cased watch characterized by a refined decorative surface. The case features chased ornamentation in a three-colour technique, known as 'à trois couleurs', which adds visual texture to the housing. The side profile shows clear, patterned metalwork consistent with eighteenth-century watchmaking conventions.

The centerpiece of the watch case is an enamel medallion. This decorative element depicts a scene showing two women and a child situated on a coastline. This enamel work is executed in multiple colours, distinguishing the visual aesthetic of the piece from the surrounding metallic gold frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with white-enamelled dial. On the case is chased decoration à trois couleurs and a multicoloured enamelled medallion with a depiction of two women on a coast.”

Dial Design

The watch displays a white-enamelled dial, which provides a clean background for the time-telling functions. The hour markers are represented by large, bold Roman numerals placed radially around the center of the dial.

In addition to the hour markings, the dial includes an outer track featuring Arabic numerals in increments of five, specifically marking the minutes. The hands are crafted from metal and feature ornate, pierced designs that complement the overall aesthetic of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold watch with white-enamelled dial.”

Provenance and Identification

The watch is documented by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is officially catalogued as accession number BK-NM-12861. The museum classifies the object within its jewellery and watch collection, noting its physical diameter to be 4.5 cm.

This record is derived from the museum's Dutch catalogue entry. The available source material identifies the object's presence in the collection but does not provide details regarding the maker or the specific movement mechanics, leaving these aspects for future research to establish.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-12861”
  • “Museum object number BK-NM-12861”

Open research questions

  • What is the name of the movement manufacturer associated with this specific case?
  • Does the movement retain its original escapement and balance spring configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch with two women and a child
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgold“gold (metal)”
Accession numberBK-NM-12861“BK-NM-12861”
Diameter4.5 cm“diameter 4.5 cm”
Decoration techniquechased à trois couleurs“chased decoration à trois couleurs”
Date rangec. 1760 - c. 1770“c. 1760 - c. 1770”

Visible details

  • Chased gold case with geometric patterns
  • White-enamelled dial with Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals
  • Intricate pierced and engraved hands in metal

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution is currently unverified
  • Exact mechanical specifications and movement details are not provided in the source

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

Consulted source

Watch with two women and a child

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d509984106

Terms in this record

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

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