Museum-Quality Antique Memento Mori Skull Ball Watch 18k Gilt Bronze Verge Fusee

An absolutely breathtaking and exceptionally rare mid-18th century Memento Mori spherical pocket watch. Encased in masterfully cast 18k gilt bronze (ormolu), this museum-grade artifact is a profound statement piece that beautifully marries macabre symbolism with master-level horology. Designed to serve as a wearable reminder of mortality, the entire exterior is adorned in high relief with meticulously detailed skulls linked by heavy chains.

Opening the spherical casing reveals a pristine white enamel dial and an intricate, highly decorated verge fusee movement dating back to the 1750s. This is an essential acquisition for serious collectors of early horology, Memento Mori artifacts, and esoteric antiquities.

Key Features & Specifications:

• Era: Circa 1750s

• Casing: Heavy, ball-shaped 18k gilt bronze (ormolu) case. The exterior is cast in deep, striking relief featuring a continuous motif of skulls and interlocking chains. The hinge and bow are fully intact and function smoothly. The interior of the upper hemisphere features a brilliant, polished gilt finish.

• Movement: Original, highly complicated verge fusee movement. The backplate boasts an exquisitely hand-pierced and engraved balance bridge with sweeping foliate designs and a silvered regulator dial. Square pillars and solid brass plates complete the robust 18th-century architecture.

• Dial: Classic white enamel dial with crisp, black Arabic numerals. The dial is exceptionally clean for its age, featuring a front-winding aperture located at the 2 o’clock position.

• Hands: Completely original, highly ornate hand-pierced and chased gilt hands that perfectly complement the intricate nature of the balance bridge.

• Accessories: Comes complete with a winding key.

Condition Report:

Overall Condition: Perfect / Exceptional Antique Condition.

• Case: The 18k ormolu finish remains incredibly vibrant with minimal signs of handling, retaining its bright, luxurious luster. The relief casting is sharp, with no significant loss of detail to the skulls or chains.

• Dial: The enamel is in remarkable condition with only the faintest microscopic signs of age near the edges, entirely commensurate with a 270-year-old timepiece.

• Mechanics: The movement is clean, intact, and visually stunning. The verge escapement and chain-driven fusee cone are beautifully preserved.

*** Shipping & Handling: DHL overnight courier