Repeating watch 1765 - 1775

This repeating watch was made by Francis Perigal in London. Though undated, it reflects the 18th century's obsession with precision and timekeeping. Consider the watch not merely as a functional object, but as a symbol of status. In this era, owning such an intricate piece was a privilege, marking its owner as part of a wealthy elite. We must remember that the concept of time itself was being reshaped, becoming more regimented, and class-based, creating different lived experiences of time. The rise of industrial capitalism depended on this standardization of the day. The watch’s delicate craftsmanship speaks to an era of artisans and their guilds, where skill and artistry were passed down through generations. Reflect on how it feels to hold something so meticulously crafted, bearing witness to a bygone era where objects were made slowly and with great care. This watch is more than a time-telling device, it's a window into the societal structures, labor practices, and the evolving perception of time that shaped the 18th century.