Watch Key c. 1938

Harry Grossen made this drawing of a watch key, a small but essential tool for winding timepieces, at an unknown date, with unknown materials. In a world increasingly governed by the clock, the watch key wasn't merely functional; it was a symbol of punctuality, industry, and perhaps even status. Grossen's careful rendering, emphasizing the key's ornate design with what looks like a dog figure, elevates it from a mere tool to an object of aesthetic interest. Without knowing the exact date or context of its making, it's difficult to say precisely what Grossen intended. Was he commenting on the increasing mechanization of life? Or perhaps simply celebrating the craftsmanship of a bygone era? These are questions that further research into Grossen's life, the history of horology, and the social impact of timekeeping might help us to answer.