Antique French Memento Mori 18k Gilt Silver Pocket Watch – Ouroboros & Skull

An extraordinary opportunity to acquire a highly symbolic antique French Memento Mori pocket watch. Housed in an ornate 46mm 18k gilt silver open-face case, this timepiece represents a profound intersection of 19th-century horology and esoteric philosophy. The case back features a masterfully sculpted high-relief skull and crossbones motif centered within a perfect circle. Surrounding this emblem of mortality is a large, heavily textured serpent biting its own tail—the Ouroboros—an ancient symbol representing eternity, the infinite cycle of life and death, and rebirth. This powerful juxtaposition makes this a highly coveted artifact for collectors of Masonic, esoteric, and mourning antiquities.

Detailed Specifications

• Case Material: 18k Gilt Silver (Solid 0.800 Silver core with heavy gold gilding). Stamped with the German Imperial Crown and Crescent Moon (Reichskrone & Halbmond) hallmark alongside “A 0.800” for silver purity, indicating standard European cross-border trade of the era.

• Case Dimensions: 46mm diameter (excluding crown and bow).

• Case Details: High-relief Memento Mori skull and crossbones enclosed within a sculpted Ouroboros serpent. Intricate foliate engraving adorns the outer perimeter and the bow.

• Dial: Crisp white enamel dial featuring elongated black Roman numeral hour markers, a subtle outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position.

• Hands: Ornate, pierced gilt hands matching the case exterior.

• Movement: Traditional “Remontoir Cylindre 6 rubis” mechanical movement (Cylinder escapement, 6 jewels, keyless wind). The dust cover (cuvette) is elegantly engraved with the movement specifications. The frosted silvered movement features a classic “Avance / Retard” regulation scale.

• Serial Number: 3646 (Stamped on the inner covers).

• Operational Status: Perfect working order. The mechanical movement winds smoothly, sets precisely, and keeps reliable time.

• Cosmetic Condition: Exceptional antique condition. The enamel dial is bright and clean. The 18k gilt finish remains rich and vibrant, showcasing a stunning antique patina in the recesses that greatly enhances the high-relief esoteric artwork.

Shipping & Handling The timepiece will be professionally packaged to ensure absolute safety during transit. Insured, tracked, and expedited international shipping will be utilized. Please review all high-resolution macro photography provided to fully appreciate the outstanding condition, vibrant gilding, and intricate symbolic relief of this historical watch prior to purchasing. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding its dimensions or mechanical functions.