Watch 1821 - 1836

This watch was made in Geneva by the firm of Bautte et Moynier sometime between 1826 and 1831. Look closely at the dial. It’s teeming with tiny mother-of-pearl figures – a whimsical and somewhat baffling display. Craft production in Geneva was highly specialized, and the watch industry was no exception. Workshops like Bautte et Moynier would have relied on teams of artisans. Some would be responsible for the watch’s complex mechanisms, others for the decorative elements that made each piece unique. But what about this imagery? We can trace the popularity of astrological symbols and zodiac signs in the decorative arts, and we might wonder if these were simply fashionable motifs meant to appeal to the tastes of wealthy consumers. But the imagery could also suggest a more profound interest in astrology as a means of understanding the world, which was typical of the period. Art historical research can reveal the intricate networks of collaboration and the varied cultural meanings that lie hidden within seemingly simple objects.