RARE 19th Century Memento Mori Verge Fusee Skull Pocket Watch – Working

RARE 19th Century Memento Mori Verge Fusee Skull Pocket Watch – Working

Exquisite Ormolu 18k Gilt Bronze Case | Original Octagonal Presentation Box

Item Overview

• Era: 19th Century (Circa 1820–1850)

• Movement: Verge Fusee with Chain (Hand-engraved balance cock)

• Case Material: Ormolu (High-fire 18k Gold Gilt Bronze)

• Maker: Signed “Fautrat à Sablé” on dial and movement

• Condition: Excellent Antique Condition; Fully Functional

• Dimensions: 44mm (Width) x 60mm (Height)

Historical Context: The Philosophy of Time

The “Memento Mori” watch tradition dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, popularized by figures like Mary Queen of Scots. By the 19th century, these pieces served as both high-fashion accessories and grim reminders of the fleeting nature of life.

This specific piece, signed by Fautrat à Sablé, is a masterful example of French provincial horology. The back of the skull is engraved with “MEMENTO MORI” and a Jerusalem Cross, suggesting this may have been a commissioned piece for a high-ranking cleric or a member of a penitential order.

Detailed Specifications

The Case: Crafted in heavy Ormolu (18k gilt bronze), the skull features anatomically striking detail, from the nasal cavity to the individual teeth. The gilding remains rich and vibrant. The jaw hinges open to reveal the watch face, while the top of the cranium opens to expose the intricate mechanical movement.

The Movement: A classic Verge Fusee movement with a chain-driven power reserve. The movement is a work of art in itself, featuring:

• An intricately pierced and hand-engraved balance cock.

• Blued steel screws and a silvered regulator disc.

• Original fusee chain intact and under tension.

The Dial: A pristine white enamel dial with elegant Roman numerals. The dial is signed “Fautrat à Sablé” in a flowing script. It features a single winding aperture at the 2 o’clock position.

The Presentation Box: Rarely seen with its original housing, this watch comes in its custom-fitted, octagonal red leather and velvet-lined presentation box. The lid is adorned with a gold-leaf border and a crowned heraldic monogram.

Condition Report

• Movement: Professionally inspected. The verge escapement is ticking strongly, and the fusee chain pulls smoothly. (Note: As with all antique verge watches, timekeeping is not “atomic” accuracy but a mechanical dance).

• Exterior: The ormolu finish shows minimal wear consistent with age. No major dents or deep scratches to the bronze.

• Dial: Excellent. No “spider” cracks or chips visible to the naked eye.

• Accessories: Includes the original matching gold-tone chain and a winding key.

Shipping & Handling

Given the value and fragility of this timepiece, it will be shipped via Insured Express Courier with signature required. It will be double-boxed and packed with archival-grade materials.

Collector’s Note: Pieces of this caliber, especially in working order with the original monogrammed box, are increasingly disappearing into private museum collections. This is a blue-chip investment for any serious horological or memento mori collector.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $8000  

 NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every potencial defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!