Antique French 18th Century Memento Mori Pair Case Silver Pocket Watch c.1750s

Authentic 18th-century French memento mori pocket watch, dating to circa 1750s, housed in its original pair silver cases. This exceptional example features a rare and striking memento mori dial, depicting skeleton figures with the Latin motto “Memento Mori” — a powerful reminder of mortality, highly sought after by collectors of early horology and vanitas symbolism.

Key Features

• Origin: France
• Period: Mid-18th century, circa 1750s
• Cases: Original pair cases in solid silver
• Dial: Fine enamel memento mori scene with skeleton figures and Roman numerals
• Movement: Early verge fusee movement (typical of the period)
• Condition: Excellent antique condition
• Functionality: Perfect working order – runs and keeps time
• Diameter: 50.5 mm (excluding pendant)

Condition Report

The watch is in remarkable condition for its age of nearly 275 years.

• Dial is well-preserved with strong imagery and legibility
• Original gilt hands intact
• Movement is clean and functioning correctly
• Silver cases show honest age-related wear, consistent with period use, with no major damage or repairs

Provenance & Documentation

This watch comes with an appraisal certificate valuing it at $5,000 USD, supporting authenticity, age, and collectability.

Why This Watch Matters

Memento mori watches from the 18th century are increasingly rare, particularly complete examples with original pair cases and functioning movements. Pieces of this nature were often privately commissioned and produced in very limited numbers. Today, they are prized by:

• Serious antique watch collectors
• Museum-level horology collections
• Collectors of vanitas, mortality art, and early philosophical symbolism

Summary

A genuine museum-quality 18th-century French memento mori pocket watch, complete, working, documented, and highly collectible. An outstanding opportunity to acquire a historically significant and visually powerful antique timepiece.