Lady's Pocket Watch

Manufacturer Bautte & Moynier (Switzerland, 1826)

Place of OriginSwitzerland, Geneva

Dateabout 1830

DimensionsWatch: H: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Diam: 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm);
Watch key: H: 1 in. (2.5 cm)

MediumGold and pearls

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LinePurchased with funds given by Rita Barbour Kern

Object number

2001.22A-B

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 34, Jewelry Gallery

Label TextFine pocket watches became status symbols in the 19th century for both men and women. The customer bought a watch complete with cases from the retailer (watchmaker, goldsmith, or jeweler). You might buy the watch off the shelf, or you might commission a watch that had cases decorated in the way you wanted. It was the watchmaker's job to organize the army of specialist craftsmen who made and decorated the movement and the cases. This refined watch, with its original winding key, is exuberantly decorated with natural half-pearls. It was made by Bautte & Moynier, one of the most influential Swiss decorative watchmaking firms of the first half of the 19th century. When not in use, such an elaborate watch could be displayed in a special stand on a desk or vanity.