Oversize 66.5mm Memento Mori Skull Automaton Triple Calendar Pocket Watch 1890s

The Memento Mori (Latin for “Remember that you must die”) philosophy has deep roots in horological history. During the 18th and 19th centuries, timepieces adorned with skulls and bones were crafted for elite patrons as philosophical instruments. They served as intimate reminders of mortality and the fleeting nature of time (tempus fugit). This specific late-19th-century example is an exceptional manifestation of macabre horology, combining a highly complex calendar movement with profound esoteric symbolism and imposing dimensions.

Technical Specifications

Dial & Automaton Details

The complex white enamel dial is a masterpiece of macabre design, entirely custom-painted to fit the Memento Mori theme.

• Numerals: The hour markers are ingenious black Roman numerals crafted entirely from illustrations of human bones (femurs and tibias).

• Calendar Sub-dials: Three subsidiary dials track the calendar layout in French: the top dial indicates the month (JAN, FEB, MAR…), the right dial indicates the day of the week (LUN, MAR, MER…), and the left dial indicates the date (1-31).

• Automaton Seconds: At the 6 o’clock position, the traditional seconds hand is replaced by a continuous automaton. A painted skull and crossbones rests on a rotating disc, acting as a dynamic seconds indicator that revolves constantly while the watch is running.

• Hands: Highly ornate, pierced gold-tone Louis XV-style hands indicate the central hours and minutes.

Case & Movement Details

• The Case: The massive 66.5mm oversize case offers an imposing, heavy presence. It utilizes a striking two-tone aesthetic, featuring dark, gunmetal-finished smooth mid-case sections framed by heavily engraved gold-tone bezels with repeating floral and geometric patterns.

• Case Back: The reverse is dominated by a dramatic, high-relief cluster of five large skulls crafted from a gold-tone metal. The three-dimensional depth of the skulls against the dark background creates a spectacular visual impact.

• The Movement: Powering this highly complicated watch is a large, early Swiss mechanical manual-wind movement. It features a traditional frosted finish, exposed winding gears, and a pin-set mechanism (the time is set by depressing the small pin near the 1 o’clock case edge while turning the crown). The movement is immaculately clean, winds smoothly, and all calendar and automaton functions operate perfectly.

Shipping & Handling:

Item will be securely double-boxed and packaged with the highest level of care to ensure the safe global transit of the heavy oversize case, complex mechanical calendar movement, and delicate enamel dial. Ships worldwide with fully tracked, expedited, and insured delivery to guarantee it arrives exactly as described.