Watch 1760

This ornate watch was made in France by Jean-Baptiste Baillon. Look closely at the gold case, which has been delicately wrought with decorative carving. Consider, too, the precisely engineered mechanics within. Such objects were typically crafted using a combination of hand-made and industrial techniques. The brass components would have been cast using molds, then painstakingly finished by hand. The watch’s face, made of enamel, required a perfectly smooth surface. The gold case features detailed chasing work, requiring extreme skill. This division of labor is key. The relative efficiency of some manufacturing processes enabled a lower price point, and wider availability. Yet the hand-finishing gave each watch distinction and a certain allure. So, we can see this watch as an emblem of its era. It brings together the world of design and craft; of industrial production and traditional knowledge. By examining the material and method of its making, we get a much clearer sense of its cultural value.