Calendar watch 1790 - 1800

This calendar watch was made by Blainville, sometime in the late eighteenth century. It’s a fascinating object because it encapsulates both a scientific and artistic vision of the world. The watch was originally made in France, a country that, at the time, was at the forefront of both horology and the Enlightenment. The watch’s face combines a sundial with an image of a classical figure, a signifier of the new secular values that gradually replaced the dogmas of the church. But the history of this piece also reflects the social structures of its time. Blainville was born and died during the French Revolution. It would be interesting to know who the watch was made for; the royalty or the rising middle class. The watch is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of its maker, and to the turbulent times in which it was created. By looking at sources from the period, such as trade records, we can find out more about the context in which Blainville worked.