Watch 1844 - 1855

This is a pocket watch, made in London by Edward Prior, some time in the first half of the 19th century. Prior was one of many London watchmakers who catered to the global market, particularly the Ottoman Empire. It’s clear from the roman numerals, the watch was intended for use in the West. But what does it mean to tell time when your location is not fixed? When you are traveling? How do you connect to home? The tortoiseshell case, inlaid with silver, speaks to a desire for beauty but also protection, a kind of armor for the privileged. This small object encapsulates a world of commerce, empire, and the intimate experience of time passing, especially for those whose lives were not rooted in one place. It offers a glimpse into the identity of its owner, suspended between cultures, and the emotional weight of carrying a piece of home across borders.