Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

William Rivers Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch, held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 17.101.61a–c), is attributed to the London-based watchmaker William Rivers, who was active during the late 18th century. The watch dates to circa 1770 and is constructed from gold. It features a decorative exterior case with figurative relief and a green enamel-adorned band. The white dial is marked with Arabic numerals for the minutes and Roman numerals for the hours. The object possesses an overall diameter of 2-1/4 inches (5.7 cm). It was acquired by the museum as part of the Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn in 1917. The watch is catalogued within the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. The physical components include the watch case and dial assembly, as documented in the museum's acquisition records.

Front view of the William Rivers gold pocket watch showing the dial with Arabic and Roman numerals and green enamel-decorated band.
Front view of the William Rivers gold pocket watch showing the dial with Arabic and Roman numerals and green enamel-decorated band. — 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
William Rivers
Reference
17.101.61a–c
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.101.61a–c
Source-reported date
ca. 1770
Source-reported place
British, London

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 External Design

The watch features a circular gold case measuring 2-1/4 inches in diameter. The outer back of the case is decorated with a detailed figurative scene executed in relief. The band of the case incorporates a series of green enamel sections, which are interspersed with gold beads arranged in small clusters.

The overall design incorporates a gold pendant and bow at the top, consistent with the profile of 18th-century pocket watches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diam. 2-1/4 in. (5.7 cm)”

Dial and Hands

The watch face consists of a white dial featuring a double-track arrangement. The outer track displays Arabic numerals representing the minutes in five-minute increments, while the inner track displays Roman numerals denoting the standard twelve-hour cycle.

The central portion of the dial is fitted with two ornate, pierced gold hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: William Rivers (Clockmaker's Company 1770, master 1794, died 1820)”

Provenance and Documentation

This watch is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It was accessioned into the institution under the number 17.101.61a–c. The item entered the museum's holdings through the Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn in 1917.

The documentation attributes the work to William Rivers, a member of the Clockmaker's Company, with an estimated production date of circa 1770. The museum maintains the object within the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 17.101.61a–c.”
  • “Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn, 1917”
  • “Watchmaker: William Rivers (Clockmaker's Company 1770, master 1794, died 1820)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of escapement housed within this watch?
  • Are there additional signatures or hallmarks located on the interior case back or movement plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for William Rivers Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWilliam Rivers“Watchmaker: William Rivers (Clockmaker's Company 1770, master 1794, died 1820)”
Dateca. 1770“ca. 1770”
Dimensions2-1/4 in. (5.7 cm)“Diam. 2-1/4 in. (5.7 cm)”
Museum Number17.101.61a–c“17.101.61a–c”
Credit LineBequest of Laura Frances Hearn, 1917“Bequest of Laura Frances Hearn, 1917”
DepartmentEuropean Sculpture and Decorative Arts“Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts”

Visible details

  • Decorative green enamel detailing with gold bead accents on the case band
  • Engraved figurative scene on the outer case back
  • White enamel or metal dial with Roman and Arabic numerals
  • Ornate pierced gold hands

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement characteristics and serial number are not detailed in the source
  • The source indicates that the wider type and maker attribution require further verification against horological references

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

Consulted source

Watch by William Rivers, British, London, ca. 1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7aa4106c52

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch records