Repeater watch and key 1560 - 1570

Bartholomew Newsam, a clockmaker to Queen Elizabeth I, made this silver watch sometime in the 16th century. During the Tudor period, England saw a surge in artistic and technological innovation. The watch reflects the values of a hierarchical society, where timekeeping was a privilege reserved for the wealthy elite. As one of the few clockmakers in London, Newsam occupied a unique position in Tudor society. He was both an artisan and a servant of the crown. The intricate design of the watch speaks to the status of its owner, as a symbol of wealth and power. Its ornate detailing and precious materials highlight the watch's value as a status symbol. The watch also reflects the social and cultural norms of the time, when women were often excluded from positions of power and influence. The watch serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in objects of status and the passage of time.