Watch 1655 - 1665

Nicolas Massy created this watch, with unknown materials, in Lorraine, France, during the 17th century. Beyond its function, this watch tells us a lot about the values and culture of the elites of the time. Timekeeping itself was becoming increasingly precise and watches turned into symbols of status, scientific progress, and even moral virtue. The intricate design on the watch, with its gold detailing against a dark background, speaks to the wealth and refinement of its owner. Lorraine, as a region, was known for its skilled artisans. The watch reflects the culture of craftsmanship that flourished under the patronage of the nobility. The social conditions of the time were marked by strong class divisions. Such an ornate watch would have been inaccessible to the vast majority of the population, highlighting the disparities in wealth and privilege. To fully understand the watch, one might delve into period documents, guild records, and aristocratic inventories. The object embodies a moment in time, shaped by the social and institutional forces of 17th-century Europe.