17th Century Silver Cruciform Pectoral Watch

Inventory Number: PW1905001

Made in Germany circa the 17th century, 114 x 73 x 36.2mm, silver, and rock crystal case with cover, silver dial with a single hour hand, engraved in taille-douce of wolf hunting scenes.

A cruciform-shaped, gilt brass full plate movement engraved in the Renaissance style, with fusee and gut, verge escapement.

This type of cruciform watch was usually made during the 16th and 17th centuries, often worn by bishops and missionaries. This timepiece was a former collection of Wuppertaler Uhrenmuseum Wuppertal in Germany.

Form Watches

Form watches can be worn around the neck, carried in pockets, or used as brooches. Watchmakers were full of creativity, they got inspiration from a wide range of things to make these timepieces, such as fruits, flowers, animals, musical instruments, books, and even crucifix. Thus during the 18th and 19th centuries, they were very attractive and popular portable timekeepers for ladies and gentlemen of certain social statuses.