Antique French Occultist Pocket Watch Verge Fusee Skeletons Bats Gilt Case c1760

Description

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I am pleased to offer from my private collection this rare 18th Century French Gilt Bronze & Enamel Memento Mori Pocket Watch This exceptional French memento mori pocket watch, dating back to the 18th century, embodies the profound philosophical and artistic sensibilities of its time. Crafted in gilt bronze with enamel detailing, this watch serves both as a functional timepiece and a symbolic reminder of mortality—a theme deeply rooted in Baroque and Rococo period artistry. Dial & Case Design • The watch face features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, bordered by an intricate decorative ring. • A skeleton motif with a skull and ribcage is prominently displayed at the center, encircled by a serpent eating its own tail (ouroboros)—a symbol of eternity and the cyclic nature of life and death. • The golden hands contrast against the striking enamel imagery, ensuring readability while complementing the luxurious design. Case Back: • The reverse of the watch exhibits a spectacular high-relief scene in gilt bronze, depicting bats and skeleton imagery against a black enamel background. • The bat motif, often associated with the night and the afterlife, reinforces the watch’s memento mori theme. • The case is elaborately engraved, with finely worked decorative borders and baroque-style patterns. • 53mm in diameter,31mm thick Movement & Mechanism • The watch houses a highly ornate, early verge fusee movement, consistent with French craftsmanship of the 18th century. • The pierced and engraved balance cock showcases an elaborate floral or scrollwork design, a hallmark of luxury watchmaking from this era. • It features hand-crafted gears and components, reflecting the precision and artistry of pre-industrial horology. Historical Significance Memento mori (Latin for “Remember that you must die”) was a popular artistic and philosophical motif in the 17th and 18th centuries, often used in jewelry and timepieces. Such pieces were meant to remind the wearer of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, encouraging them to live virtuously. This watch is a testament to the era’s fascination with mortality, religion, and the passage of time. Collectibility & Value • Due to its rare and elaborate memento mori design, this pocket watch is highly sought after by collectors of antique timepieces and symbolic art. • The combination of gilt bronze, enamel detailing, and early watchmaking techniques enhances its historical and monetary value. • The well-preserved movement and aesthetic details make this a museum-worthy artifact and an exceptional addition to any antique horology collection. The watch comes with AN APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $9,000.00