Watch and key
ca. 1620–40
Medium
Brass, gilded, and blued steel
Dimensions
2 3/4 × 1 5/8 in. (7 × 4.1 cm)
Classification
Horology
Culture
British, London
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.190.1480
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite "Watch and Key" by London watchmaker John Wright, crafted around 1620–40. This diminutive treasure, measuring just 2¾ × 1⅝ inches, represents the pinnacle of early British horology—a field blending precision engineering with opulent artistry. During the Jacobean era, pocket watches like this were rare status symbols for the elite, showcasing London's emerging mastery in timekeeping amid the Scientific Revolution. Fashioned from brass with gilded accents and blued steel, piece gleams with luxurious finishes: gilding evokes golden splendor, while bluing—a heat-treated techn...