Watch 1765 - 1775

This watch, made by Abel Durade, captivates with its intricate silver casing. The circular form is softened by elaborate, swirling patterns that suggest movement and ornate refinement. The details evoke a sense of luxury, but it also subtly challenges conventional perceptions of time through its decorative complexity. Consider how Durade uses line and shape. The watch face is divided into distinct fields, each filled with different textures and scenes. At the center is a classical relief of figures enclosed in a circle that draws the eye and acts as a focal point. The repetition of circular motifs works to underscore the cyclical nature of time, while the decorative details remind us that time is not just measured but also experienced. Notice how the patterns create a rich, almost overwhelming visual experience. In doing so, does Durade ask us to reconsider time itself? A concept to be not simply marked but contemplated? The aesthetic choices, from the swirling lines to the figurative reliefs, encourage viewers to engage with time as a concept shaped by human creativity.