Clock-watch 1695 - 1705

This clock-watch of gilded brass and enamel was crafted in France, around the turn of the 18th century, by David Terrier. During this period, timepieces evolved from communal fixtures to personal items, reflecting shifting social structures and the rise of individualism. The intricate ornamentation speaks to the wealth and status of its owner, and the clock embodies the growing Enlightenment emphasis on reason, order, and the measurement of existence itself. Consider how the concept of time is deeply entwined with power structures. Who has the luxury to measure their days, and who is bound by the clock of labor? This pocket watch is more than a tool; it's a symbol of identity, reflecting the complex relationship between time, class, and personal narrative.