Watch c. 1720 - 1770

This watch was made by Firma Newell in London, though the exact date remains unknown. As an object, it reflects a culture deeply invested in precision and commerce. In eighteenth-century England, time was becoming standardized, influencing the way work, trade, and even social life were structured. Such portable timepieces, though initially luxury items, gradually became more accessible, marking a shift towards a society increasingly governed by schedules and punctuality. Newell's inscription on the watch itself, "Newell, London," is not just a signature but a stamp of quality from a renowned center of craftsmanship, signaling the watch’s value in a competitive market. To truly understand this piece, we delve into trade records, guild archives, and social histories. Through these resources, we recognize how a simple watch encapsulates the spirit of an era and reflects how social structures shape our daily lives.