Horloge van verguld koper c. 1800 - 1900

Here is a gilded copper watch, made in London by H. Fly, though the precise date is unknown. This watch, a luxury item, speaks volumes about its owner's social standing and their relationship to time itself. In a historical context where time was increasingly commodified, owning a personal timepiece was a statement of affluence and control. The watch's intricate detailing and use of precious materials also suggest a certain level of gendered performance, as accessories often played a crucial role in constructing and communicating identities in the public sphere. Who was H. Fly? What was his place in London society? Did he consider himself an artist or craftsman? What narratives are excluded from the face of this timepiece? In many ways, this watch reflects how personal adornments can transcend mere functionality, becoming potent symbols of identity, status, and the complex interplay between individual lives and broader cultural narratives.