Watch 1645 - 1655

This small cross, made in the 17th century by Pierre-Martin Scheult, is striking in its intricate design and the seamless combination of the sacred and the functional. The cross shape, rendered in gilded metal, immediately draws the eye, not just as a symbol but as a frame filled with ornate details. The dial, with its stark white face and contrasting Roman numerals, sits at the intersection of the cross, creating a focal point that invites close inspection. The craftsmanship is exquisite, every surface engraved with detailed patterns, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances its visual depth. The fusion of a time-telling device with a religious icon raises questions about the cultural codes at play here. What does it mean to measure time within the symbolic form of the cross? Does it challenge fixed meanings or engage with new ways of thinking about space, perception, power or representation? This watch functions not just aesthetically but also as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.