Watch 1665 - 1675

Crafted in Germany around 1680 by Nicolaus Rugendas the Younger, this watch is an opulent display of wealth, made with gold, silver, enamel, and rubies. The face is almost entirely obscured, isn't it? In a period defined by rigid social hierarchies and emerging capitalist markets, such conspicuous consumption broadcasted status and power. The watch transforms into a jewel. Consider how the dominance of European global trade influenced access to precious materials like rubies. What was the human cost of such treasures? It is difficult not to contemplate how the pursuit of luxury often relies on the exploitation of labor and resources. Ultimately, this watch asks us to consider the complex relationship between beauty, value, and the historical forces that shape our perceptions of both.