Bracket Clock 1695

This bracket clock was made by Daniel Quare, a prominent London clockmaker, some time around the turn of the 18th century. In a pre-industrial world, the elite ownership of such an object spoke volumes. It spoke of scientific curiosity, of technical mastery, and, above all, of wealth. The dark faux-tortoiseshell case, the gilded dial, and the elaborate ornamentation are visual signs that denoted social status. Timekeeping in England was undergoing a transformation with the institutional establishment of Greenwich Mean Time, becoming more standardized across the country. Historical documents, such as trade records and guild archives, can help us understand the social networks and economic conditions that made such craftsmanship possible. Examining the clock not just as a functional object but as a cultural artifact allows us to explore the values and aspirations of the society that produced it. It offers a window into the world of early modern England, where the measurement of time was becoming increasingly intertwined with social and economic power.