Watch 1775 - 1785

This is a silver watch made in London by Smiht, sometime between 1725 and 1825. The delicate engraving on the case is the first thing you'll notice. But it's more than decoration. This shows the hand skills involved in its production, the labor and time invested in each piece. Consider the precision required to craft the gears and mechanisms. The watchmaker needed knowledge of metallurgy, engineering, and design. These weren't just functional objects, but also statements of wealth and status. Owning a watch like this meant you had access to the finer things in life. It also meant you had an awareness of time itself, a concept that was becoming increasingly important in the industrialized world. The very materials and processes involved speak to broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. It challenges the traditional divide between fine art and craft, highlighting the artistic merit and cultural significance of everyday objects.