Watch 1655 - 1665

Abraham Cailliatte's "Watch" (1655-1665) is a small, intricately detailed pocket watch made of silver. The watch face is adorned with Roman numerals and a delicate floral pattern. The watch case is adorned with filigree work, a decorative technique common in the 17th century, that uses fine threads of metal, typically gold or silver. The watch, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represents not only the craftsmanship of the period but also the burgeoning popularity of timekeeping devices among the elite.