Watch 1715 - 1725

This watch was created by Jonas Thorelet, likely in the early 18th century, and it is made primarily of silver, gold, and enamel. What strikes me most is the way the watch embodies two very different kinds of labor. On the one hand, you have the intricate mechanism inside, a feat of engineering that demands precision and expertise. On the other, there’s the decorative aspect. Look at the gold detailing in the center, set against the stark white enamel of the clock face. This required a goldsmith with a completely different set of skills. The very concept of timekeeping has huge social implications. Watches like these were luxury items, yet they were part of a rising culture of standardization. As industrialization progressed, keeping time became ever more crucial to organizing labor, and structuring everyday life. Ultimately, this watch is not only about telling time, but also about the time and labor that went into its making. It's a testament to the diverse skills of craftspeople, and the broader social context in which they worked.