Watch 1645 - 1665

This rock crystal watch was made in France by Jean Rousseau sometime in the mid-17th century. At this time, the technology to grind and polish glass with sufficient clarity to serve as a protective cover for a watch face had only recently been developed, and was therefore a highly prized, and expensive object. We might reflect on the meaning of this art object for its original owner, and for the culture which produced it. France was then a deeply stratified society, and this watch would surely have been a status symbol. It speaks of a world in which the elite could afford the latest technology, and display their elevated position in society. But it also testifies to the innovative spirit of the early modern period, as glassmakers and horologists experimented with new techniques. To more fully understand the object, we can consult period trade directories, guild records, and the archives of instrument makers. This will help us to understand the specific economic and social conditions that shaped the production of this watch.