Clock-watch 17th century

This clock-watch was made by Edward East in London from silver. As you can see, the surface is engraved with Roman numerals and intricate decorations. Consider that this object, small enough to be worn, was an incredible feat of engineering in its day. Silversmiths like East would have been highly sought-after specialists, responsible for both the aesthetics and functionality of the piece. The case would have been cast, then chased and engraved with fine detail. A skilled artisan would have been in charge of assembling the delicate clockwork mechanism, adjusting and calibrating each part to ensure accuracy. Pocket watches like this one marked a shift in our relationship to time. No longer dictated by the sun, or large public clocks, time could be kept and measured by individuals. This changed everything, because it allowed people to synchronize their activities, enabling new systems of labor and commerce. Ultimately, this little silver watch reflects a profound shift in our social and economic structures, with craft and design at its very heart.