Watch 1640 - 1675

Jean Hubert the elder made this watch sometime between 1663 and 1695, its intricate design is a testament to the luxury and craftsmanship of the period. During the late 17th century, owning such a timepiece was a status symbol, reflecting the wealth and position of the aristocracy. The watch's design integrates aesthetic beauty with scientific precision. Timepieces were not merely functional, they were reflections of a worldview shaped by emerging scientific thought and a fascination with the measurement of time. Consider how the concept of time itself has evolved. For those who could afford it, a watch became a personal statement, embodying control over one's schedule and life, a stark contrast to the agrarian rhythms of the working class. This watch therefore encapsulates a moment in history when time became a commodity, and its measurement a privilege.