RARE ANTIQUE c.1850 French Memento Mori Skull & Ouroboros Vermeil Pocket Watch

Presented for acquisition is a highly collectible, museum-quality mid-19th century (circa 1850s) French pocket watch featuring profound Memento Mori and esoteric symbolism. The tradition of “Memento Mori” (Latin for “remember you must die”) in horology serves as a philosophical reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly life.

This remarkable timepiece elevates the theme by encircling the central high-relief skull with an Ouroboros—an ancient symbol of a serpent eating its own tail, representing eternity, the infinite cycle of time, and rebirth. This juxtaposition of the mortal skull and the eternal snake creates a powerful esoteric narrative. Accompanying the watch is its original, highly intricate winged skull winding key, a motif often referred to as a “Death’s Head,” symbolizing Tempus Fugit (time flies). This is an extraordinary artifact from the Victorian era of mourning and philosophical contemplation.

Technical Specifications

• Era: Mid-19th Century (c. 1850s)

• Origin: France

• Case Material: 18k Gold Plated Silver (Vermeil). Fully hallmarked.

• Case Diameter: 44mm

• Dial: White enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and delicate gilt hands.

• Movement: Antique French key-wind mechanical cylinder escapement.

• Jeweling: 8 Jewels (Engraved Cylindre Huit Rubis)

• Operating State: Tested and in perfect working condition.

• Accessories: Includes the original, highly detailed winged skull winding key.

Detailed Condition & Photographic Report

This historical timepiece has been meticulously preserved and remains in exceptional condition for its age. Please refer to the detailed macro photography provided for a precise visual inspection:

• Case Exterior : The reverse of the 18k vermeil case features breathtaking chased and repoussé metalwork. The skull is rendered in high, three-dimensional relief, framed perfectly by the scaled texture of the Ouroboros snake. The gold plating remains incredibly rich with wonderful antique patina deep in the recesses.

• Dial & Hands : The classic white enamel dial features precise Arabic numerals and outer minute track markers, complemented by an elegant set of fine gilt hands. The dial presents beautifully.

• Original Winding Key : The original winding and setting key is a masterpiece of miniature sculpture in its own right, cast in the shape of a winged skull. The details in the cranial structure and feathers are perfectly preserved.

• Inner Case Backs & Hallmarks : The inner case back  displays crisp French hallmarks and the serial number 39841. The beautifully engine-turned dust cover, or cuvette , is clearly engraved with the technical specifications: “Cylindre huit rubis” and “N-5000”, surrounding the dual winding and hand-setting arbors.

• Movement : The key-wind, key-set cylinder movement is exceptionally clean, retaining its bright finish and blued steel screws. The balance swings freely and the watch functions perfectly.

Condition Summary: Outstanding antique condition. The structural integrity of the vermeil case is excellent, with tight hinges and a secure closure. The high-relief chasing is crisp and unrubbed. A superb, fully functional collector’s piece. The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2800

Please review all high-resolution images carefully as they serve as a definitive extension of this technical description.