Watch 18th century

This gold watch was crafted by Abraham-Louis Bréguet, a master of his time. A series of concentric circles dominate its surface, evoking cyclical motifs that go back to antiquity, and are embellished with stylized floral and foliate forms. The circle, an archetypal symbol, transcends cultures and epochs. Think of the Ouroboros, the snake biting its tail—an emblem of eternity and self-renewal found in ancient Egypt, Greece, and beyond. Such imagery speaks to our shared, primal understanding of time as an unending cycle. The floral motif, another recurring symbol, connects us to the natural world and to ideas of growth, beauty, and ephemerality. In this piece, the floral is not a mere decoration but a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, set against the unyielding march of time. These symbols trigger deep-seated emotions, engaging us in a timeless dance between the conscious and the subconscious. The motifs remind us of our intrinsic connection to time, nature, and the eternal cycle of existence.