Watch 1645 - 1655

This watch, made by M.K., features an octagonal case that’s been crafted from gilded brass and rock crystal. The enameled dial face is ornately decorated with swirling motifs and Roman numerals. The level of detail in this tiny object is astonishing. The metalwork alone required a mastery of goldsmithing, engraving, and enameling. Rock crystal, used for the hinged lid, would have been carefully shaped and polished. The watch’s case is small enough to be worn as jewelry. This wasn’t just a functional object, but a precious accessory, that signaled the owner’s wealth and status. Think about the labor involved: not only the design and assembly of the watch mechanism itself, but also the creation of the decorative case, a testament to the enduring appeal of highly skilled handcraft, even in an age of increasing industrialization. The object bridges the gap between art, craft, and the burgeoning culture of consumerism.