Repetitiehorloge met ajour bewerkte kast c. 17th century

This silver Repetitiehorloge, or repeating watch, with an openwork case was crafted by Jacob Hasius. The watch's intricate design and precious material speak to the rise of consumer culture. Timepieces like this emerged during an era in which the control and measurement of time became increasingly important. In the 17th and 18th centuries, burgeoning trade networks demanded efficient scheduling, while the rise of the factory system in Europe necessitated careful labor management. Such a watch would have been a status symbol, a way for its owner to display their wealth. Objects like this are important historical sources. Through close examination, we can begin to understand the social conditions that shaped artistic production. By researching the history of watchmaking, the lives of artisans such as Hasius, and the social transformations that made time so valuable, we can gain deeper insight into the culture that produced this artifact.