Watch 1675 - 1685

This watch was crafted by John Stiles in the early 18th century, its delicate mechanism encased in a shell that speaks volumes. Notice the Roman numerals encircling the face, a symbolic nod to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, a motif reappearing throughout history to evoke power and order. The hands, constantly in motion, remind us of the relentless passage of time. This concept has been echoed in countless vanitas paintings, where time is depicted as both precious and fleeting. The watch invites a deeper contemplation on mortality and memory. This reflects a collective anxiety about the ephemeral nature of existence. Yet, this object, in its enduring form, becomes a testament to human ingenuity, a small beacon against the abyss of time. It invites reflection on the cyclical nature of existence.