Watch with Amphitrite c. 1725 - 1750

Henry Mestayer created this gilded watch in London, but the exact date is unknown. A watch of this period was a symbol of wealth and status. It was not just a practical tool, but also a piece of jewelry worn to show off one's affluence and standing in society. The intricate design and precious materials used reflect the cultural values of the time. It was a period of growing global trade and expansion of the British Empire. The merchant classes of London grew rich and this is reflected in the watch, which displays an increasingly secular and worldly view, compared to the heavily religious focus of earlier eras. To fully understand the story behind this watch, we can look at trade records, genealogical databases of London's craftsmen, and museum collections of similar objects. Through these resources, we can connect the artwork to the broader social and economic forces of its time.