Traveling clock with alarm and calendar 1695 - 1715

Joseph Paulet crafted this traveling clock with alarm and calendar, likely in France during the early 18th century. Clocks like this one represent far more than mere timekeeping; they embody the era's burgeoning obsession with precision, order, and the scientific measurement of life. Consider the social implications of owning such an elaborate device. In a world still largely governed by agrarian rhythms and natural light, only the wealthy elite could afford these intricate, portable timekeepers. The clock becomes a symbol of status, a tool to manage estates, schedule social engagements, and demonstrate one's alignment with the values of the Enlightenment. Today, scholars consult trade records, guild archives, and family papers to understand the clockmaker's world. Only through such detailed investigation can we truly appreciate the social and cultural significance of objects like this.