Horloge van goud met geciseleerde wijzerplaat c. 1750 - 1800

This is a gold watch with a chiseled dial, made by J. Tarts, who lived from 1755 to 1790. Think about the late 18th century: a time of revolution, enlightenment, and burgeoning capitalism. This watch, an emblem of precision and wealth, emerges within that context. Crafted from gold, its value extends beyond mere functionality. The intricate detailing speaks to the artisan’s skill, as well as the patron’s status. But who was afforded the luxury of time, and who was bound by it? While the wealthy checked their schedules, others toiled, their labor measured and exploited. The watch becomes a symbol of power, reflecting the social stratification of the era. Consider its size, small enough to be worn as jewelry. This object becomes intensely personal. Time, in this sense, is not just measured, but owned and carried.