Antique c.1800s French Memento Mori Skull Pocket Watch – Breguet à Paris RARE

Offered for your consideration is an exceptional, museum-quality French Memento Mori (“Remember that you must die”) balll shaped pocket watch, dating to the early 1800s. Deeply rooted in stoic philosophy, Memento Mori timepieces served as tangible reminders of mortality and the fleeting nature of time. This particular piece is a phenomenal example of macabre artistry, housed in a heavily cast ormolu case and featuring an early verge fusee movement signed by the legendary Breguet à Paris.

Detailed Condition & Specifications Report

The Case & Artistic Iconography The substantial 46mm case is crafted from Ormolu (18k gold-plated bronze), exhibiting a rich, warm luster and breathtaking high-relief casting.

• Exterior Motif: The case back is dominated by a masterfully sculpted, prominent human skull resting within the coils of a serpent eating its own tail—an Ouroboros, the ancient symbol of eternity and the cycle of life and death 

• Case Band & Interior: The band of the watch is deeply chased with additional skulls and crossed bones . Opening the case reveals further macabre detailing, including a full skeletal figure cast directly into the inner case structure .

The Dial & Hands the pristine white enamel dial is classic early 19th-century French design. It features elegant Arabic numerals, a key-winding aperture positioned at the 2 o’clock mark, and is clearly signed “Breguet” in cursive, with “A PARIS” arched across the bottom. The time is indicated by a beautifully ornate set of pierced golden hands.

The Movement Mechanically, the watch is driven by a stunning antique French verge fusee movement.

• Craftsmanship: The movement plate features a highly intricate, hand-pierced, and engraved balance bridge decorated with floral motifs, characteristic of top-tier early 1800s horology .

• Signatures & Operation: The gilt backplate is elegantly hand-engraved “Breguet A Paris” along with the serial number 5449 . The chain-driven fusee movement is in perfect working order. A properly sized winding key is included with the purchase.

Item Specifics Summary

• Origin: France

• Era: Early 19th Century (c. 1800s)

• Theme: Memento Mori / Macabre

• Case Material: Ormolu (18k Gold-Plated Bronze)

• Case Diameter: 46mm

• Movement: Verge Fusee, Key-Wind / Key-Set

• Signatures: Breguet à Paris (Dial and Movement)

• Condition: Perfect Antique Condition / Fully Functional

Terms of Sale This antique timepiece is a functioning piece of history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.