Pair-case watch 1685 - 1686

Editor: This beautiful metal piece is a "Pair-case watch" from 1685-1686 by Thomas Tompion. I noticed that its Baroque design mixes practicality and elegance, but what story does this object tell us about its time? Curator: Well, first off, Tompion was a hugely influential figure, often called the "father of English clockmaking." Owning such a timepiece wasn't just about knowing the hour; it was a statement. This watch represents a shift in how time was perceived and consumed, turning time itself into a luxury item and status symbol within the burgeoning merchant class. Editor: So, the watch is more than just a tool; it’s about social mobility? Curator: Precisely! And think about where something like this would have been displayed, shown off. It could dictate social interactions, punctuality becoming a virtue tied to economic advancement and perhaps, even aspiration for higher social standing among England's elites. Consider the politics of time itself, who controls it, who benefits from its regulation. Editor: It's amazing to think about a watch as a political object. Now, when I look at it, I don't just see time; I see power and social ambition. Curator: Exactly! And it reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be powerful markers of cultural change. This exercise highlighted the powerful interplay between utility, aesthetics and cultural significance that art offers us.