Horloge van zilver c. 1870

This pocket watch, by G.L.A. Forberger, is made of silver; a relatively soft, precious material that would have been carefully worked to create a functional and beautiful object. The silver case would have been formed through techniques like casting, hammering, and filing, and would have required considerable skill and time to produce. The smooth, cool silver contrasts with the intricate inner mechanisms, exemplifying the precision and artistry involved in the watch's creation. Pocket watches like this one became popular as timekeeping became increasingly important in trade and daily life. The production of such an item reflects the broader forces of industrialization and a growing consumer culture. The labor and resources invested in this watch speak to a society where time was not only measured but valued, and where craftsmanship and materials held significant cultural weight. By examining the materials, processes, and context of creation, we can appreciate how objects like this pocket watch blur the lines between craft, design, and social history.