Watch in the form of a badge of the Order of the Garter 1595 - 1605

This is Nicholas Vallin's "Watch in the Form of a Badge of the Order of the Garter," crafted around the late 16th century. It offers a glimpse into the intertwined worlds of aristocracy, religion, and personal identity during the Elizabethan era. The watch doubles as a badge representing the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in Britain. The badge depicts Saint George, the patron saint of England, slaying the dragon. George was an important figure, embodying the ideals of bravery, honor, and Christian virtue, which were central to the identity of the English aristocracy. Vallin, likely of Huguenot background, made this piece during a period of religious tension and upheaval. The choice of Saint George, a symbol of English identity, may have served as a way for Vallin to express his allegiance and perhaps seek acceptance within a new cultural landscape. Consider how this object blurs the lines between personal adornment, political affiliation, and religious symbolism. The watch is more than a time-telling device. It’s a statement about the wearer’s place in the world and their relationship to power, faith, and nation.