MEMENTO-MORI

Lot 9
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Estimation :
6000 - 8000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 13 000EUR
MEMENTO-MORI
Watch shape in silver called "Memento-Mori". Case in the shape of a skull, the jaw hinges on a hinge, a ring to hang in the upper part. Silver dial with Roman numerals with a single hand, indications with arrows between the hours, the center with railway. Mechanical movement with key winding, chased and pierced cock, balance wheel with verge escapement, spindle and chain, worm, unsigned with visible transformations. Height: 26 mm Length 42 mm Width 33 mm Gross weight. 59,4 gr "Memento Mori" or "skull watches" became fashionable during the 17th century, particularly in Geneva under Calvinism. As we know, Calvin forbade the production of crosses and other idolatrous instruments. The watch here speakingly illustrates the Puritanism that arose in England in the mid- 17th century under the influence of Calvinism: devoid of any ostentatious signs, it is typical of the "Puritan watches" much in vogue at that time. Memento mori translates as "remember you will die": a philosophy that inspired 17th century watchmakers (mainly in Switzerland and England) to freely express themselves in these skull-shaped watches symbolizing death. Well-known watchmakers who signed the movements of their "Memento Mori" watches included Jean Rousseau in Geneva (1606 - 1684), grandfather of the famous Age of Enlightenment philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau
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