300 Years Old Georgian Memento Mori 18K Vermeil Oignon Verge Fusee Pocket Watch

Step back 300 years into the Golden Age of Horology. Offered here is an exceptional and museum-quality Georgian-era “Oignon” pocket watch, dating to the early 18th Century (c.1700–1720). This timepiece is not only a marvel of mechanical engineering but a profound piece of social history, featuring striking Memento Mori symbolism.

Historical Context: The Memento Mori Tradition

In the 1700s, the “Memento Mori” (Latin for “Remember you must die”) movement was at its peak. Watches were the ultimate symbol of this philosophy—as the gears turned, they literally counted down the moments of one’s life. The case features a high-relief Skull and Serpent, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and the fleeting nature of time.

Movement & Craftsmanship

• Maker: Signed “Fr. Robinson, London” (Francis Robinson), a prestigious maker active in the early 18th century, known for high-tier craftsmanship.

• Type: Verge Escapement with a Fusee (chain-driven) movement.

• Decoration: The movement is a work of art. It features an incredibly intricate, hand-pierced, and engraved balance cock. Note the Egyptian-style pillars and the deep, fire-gilt finish.

• Condition: Stunningly preserved. This movement is entirely handmade and remains in perfect working order—a rarity for a 300-year-old mechanical object.

The Case & Dial

• Style: “Oignon” (Onion) style, characterized by its thick, bulbous profile typical of the Louis XIV and early Georgian periods.

• Material: 18K Gilt Silver (Vermeil). The gold gilding is rich and has developed a beautiful, soft patina.

• Dimensions: 46mm Diameter | 27mm Thickness.

• Dial: White enamel with classic Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute track. Elegant, hand-carved beetle-and-poker style hands.

• Memento Mori Details: The reverse of the case features a raised “Memento Mori” ribbon, a hand-chased skull, and a coiled serpent.

Specifications

Condition Report

This watch is in extraordinary antique condition. The movement is exceptionally clean for its age, with the chain intact and the verge escapement ticking strongly. The enamel dial shows minor hairline characteristics consistent with 300 years of age but remains bright and highly legible. The vermeil case shows crisp details on the Memento Mori carvings with only light surface wear.

Collector’s Note: Finding a London-signed Oignon watch from the early 1700s is difficult; finding one with original Memento Mori iconography that still runs is a once-in-a-decade opportunity. The watch comes with a matching key and an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $10,000.00

Shipping & Handling:

Due to the value and fragility of this item, it will be shipped via fully insured, tracked, and signed-for express courier.