Watch movement 1735 - 1765

This watch movement, of unknown date, was made by Charles Cabrier, a London clockmaker active in the mid-18th century. Timepieces like this weren’t just functional objects; they were potent symbols of status and identity in a rapidly changing world. Consider for a moment the era in which Cabrier lived. London was becoming a global center of trade and colonialism. The rise of a merchant class fueled a demand for luxury goods, and owning a watch was a clear sign of wealth and sophistication. But it also speaks to something deeper: the concept of time itself, and how it was being measured and commodified. This was, after all, the Age of Enlightenment, and the very idea of progress was linked to the meticulous tracking of hours and minutes. Cabrier’s watch movement, with its intricate details, captures this tension between artistry and industry. As you look at this object, reflect on how something as simple as a watch can reveal so much about the values and aspirations of a society.