Horloge 1700 - 1715

J. Bilson crafted this watch from metal, its round form a testament to the enduring allure of cyclical time. Visually, the watch presents a series of concentric circles, each delineating different aspects of time measurement. The outermost ring, a muted green, frames the lustrous gold that encircles the clock face. Within this, Roman numerals mark the hours, their stark black against the white dial creating a play of contrasts. The delicate hands sweep across this tableau, their movement a constant reminder of time’s relentless passage. This circular composition underscores the watch's function and hints at deeper cultural meanings. The watch is a symbolic encapsulation of temporality. Its intricate mechanics, hidden beneath the face, suggest a world of hidden structures and systems. Consider how such an object might reflect society's understanding of time: as linear, segmented, and meticulously measured. This watch, while functional, invites us to contemplate our own relationship with time and the systems we create to control and understand it.