Calendar watch · Probably Turkey; movement origin uncertain
Calendar watch with Arabic inscriptions, 136-1907
Partially verifiedThis engraved gilt-brass and silver watch has separate calendar and hour indications, with apertures for lunar phases, days of the week and months. The museum describes the date ring as numbered 1–29 and the hour ring 1–12 using numerals it calls “Indian”. This is a transcription of the institutional description, not a claim that the complete calendar system has been independently demonstrated.
Technical facts
- Accession number
- 136-1907
- Catalogue record
- O114502
- Dimensions, as catalogued
- Length 80 mm; Width 53 mm; Depth 29 mm
- Signature reading
- Jan Ptrw; possible Jean Pattru identification
- Place qualifier
- Case probably Turkey; movement possibly Geneva or Turkey
- Indications
- Hours, date, moon phases, weekday and month, as catalogued
Historical significance
- This engraved gilt-brass and silver watch has separate calendar and hour indications, with apertures for lunar phases, days of the week and months. The museum describes the date ring as numbered 1–29 and the hour ring 1–12 using numerals it calls “Indian”. This is a transcription of the institutional description, not a claim that the complete calendar system has been independently demonstrated.
- The Arabic movement inscription is read by the museum as “Jan Ptrw”. It may refer to Jean Pattru, one of several watchmakers named Pattru or Patru recorded in Geneva. The case appears to have been decorated and probably made in Turkey. The museum leaves open whether the Swiss watchmaker made the movement in Geneva for the Ottoman market or in Turkey. Those alternatives are preserved.
- The physical description records a verge escapement with fusee and gut line, a floral-engraved top plate and a single-foot pierced cock. The institution records purchase from London dealer Percy Webster in 1907. Dealer provenance is not a factory record or a serial-number date. Present calendar operation, adjustment and current display have not been checked.
- Current operation, service history and public display have not been verified. Conservation comes before restoration and repair; a qualified specialist should assess the object before opening, winding or intervention.
Photographs
Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.
Sources & references
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.