Watch 1765 - 1795

This watch was made in London by Thomas Wagstaffe, sometime in the 1700s, out of silver, enamel, and glass. Wagstaffe was known for the quality of his movements. The watch's case is silver, decorated with delicate engraving that speaks to the precision and skill of the artisan. Note how the detailed, symmetrical patterns wind around the circular form, catching the light and adding a sense of luxury. The dial is enameled, with Roman numerals indicating the hours, a refined touch. The tiny mechanism is a marvel of engineering: a pile of hand-made components, all working together to track time. In its day, a watch like this wasn't just a practical tool but a statement of wealth and status. It reflects the growing importance of time in the commercial world and the rise of a skilled artisan class capable of producing such intricate objects. It's a beautiful example of how craft, design, and technology come together.