This exceptional and rare bracelet is essentially the predecessor of our modern wristwatch.
The front is decorated with a sweet enamel miniature painting, depicting two young ladies, reading from the same book. This panel can be opened, revealing a spot to place a pocket watch, with a diameter of 25 mm.
The wristwatch as we now know it wasn't really in trend until the second quarter of the 20th Century. From the 16th Century onwards, watches were a luxury item and were carried around on a chain by only the wealthiest. This type of bracelet was made around the first half of the 19th Century and are very rare: they were most likely developed as a clever way to wear a watch around when wearing evening attire. The bracelet completely covers the watch most of the time, because it was not considered proper to display the time out and about for everyone to see.
In the pictures, I have used a vintage pocket watch with the correct diameter of 25 mm, but unfortunately, it is a bit too wide and therefore is not a perfect fit. I will however gladly send it to the new owner of this bracelet so they can have an idea of how the bracelet would look combined with a watch.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: The bracelet can be worn in three different settings, so is suitable for a wrist between 18 and 16 cm. The inner dimensions on the largest setting is 53 x 60 mm, and on the smallest 45 x 58 mm.
Weight: 32.62 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1840s.
Material: Acid tested as 14k gold. There are Dutch taxation hallmarks on the lip of the clasp, which were used between 1831 and 1865 for items of unknown origin, indicating that the bracelet was not made in The Netherlands.
Condition: This bracelet is in antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age.
Please note that this shop is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.