Watch

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this exquisite *Watch* by Charles Bob and Werner Hassel exemplifies-17th-century Swissology from Geneva, a of precision craftsmanship. Dating to around the 1650s, it reflects the era's fusion of technical innovation and opulent design, when pocket watches evolved from utilitarian tools into coveted jewels for the elite. Gifted by J. Pierpont Morgan in 7, its diminutive size—mere 1 3/4 × 1 1/4 inches—highlights the miniaturization feats of Geneva's master watchmakers. Crafted from rock crystal, enamel, and silver, the watch showcases translucent rock crystal cases that allowed glimpses of intricate mechanisms, paired with vibrant enamelwork for durability and decoration. Tags evoke religious motifs: the Crucifixion of Christ, a cross, and birds, likely symbolizing devotion or resurrection in a Baroque age of piety and ornament. Enameling on such a tiny scale demanded extraordinary skill, blending artistry with engineering. This timepiece underscores Geneva's dominance in luxury horology, where watches became wearable art blending faith, science, and status. A testament to 17th-century ingenuity, it invites visitors to marvel at how time was once so intimately, beautifully measured.