Watch 1795 - 1825

This watch was made by the Firm of Esquivillon Frères, a family workshop, sometime around the turn of the 19th century. It combines skills from jewelry, goldsmithing, and watchmaking traditions. The watch's case, made from gilded metal, provides the canvas for delicate ornamentation. Floral motifs are chased into the surface, with small gemstones like turquoise and ruby adding color and texture. Consider the labor involved in creating such a piece – from mining and cutting the stones to the meticulous work of the goldsmith. Watchmaking was a highly skilled trade, and these timepieces weren't just functional; they were symbols of wealth and status. Looking at this watch, we see the convergence of craft and commerce, skill, and social aspiration. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can tell big stories about society, labor, and value. It challenges us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday life, and to rethink the boundaries between art and craft.