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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Skull watch

Skull-shaped watch attributed to Pierre Landré

Partially verified

This skull-shaped watch, identified as object 17.190.1574, is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Attributed to the maker Pierre Landré, who was born in 1610 and recorded working in 1637, the watch dates to approximately 1630–40. The construction comprises a case fashioned from gilded brass, which forms the shape of a human skull, while the internal movement is composed of brass and steel. Measuring 1 5/8 by 1 1/8 by 1 3/8 inches overall, the piece is categorized by the museum under the subject tag of skulls. Its physical design features a suspension ring at the top of the cranium, allowing it to be worn or displayed. The current record details are based on the museum’s internal documentation.

Front view of the skull-shaped watch, showing the gilded brass case and suspension ring.
Front view of the skull-shaped watch, showing the gilded brass case and suspension ring. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Skull watch
Maker / attribution
Pierre Landré
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1574
Source-reported date
ca. 1630–40
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Form

The watch is housed in a case shaped as a human skull, constructed from gilded brass. This enclosure serves as the protective shell for the internal timekeeping components. The design includes a fixed suspension ring at the apex, facilitating its use as a portable object.

The exterior displays a metallic luster consistent with gilded surfaces, though it exhibits signs of handling and age. The anatomical accuracy of the skull form includes distinct orbits and a mandible structure integrated into the lower section of the casing. The overall dimensions are 1 5/8 by 1 1/8 by 1 3/8 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: gilded brass”
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Skulls.”

Maker and Dating

The object is attributed to Pierre Landré. Biographical details provided by the museum indicate that Landré was born in 1610 and was active as a maker by 1637. This places the creation of the watch within the early seventeenth century.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art officially classifies the object within the 1630–40 period. This attribution is supported by the records held within the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department of the institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is attributed to Pierre Landré (born 1610, recorded 1637).”
  • “The museum dates it ca. 1630–40.”

Technical Specifications

Internally, the movement is constructed using a combination of brass and steel. The back plate of the movement measures 13/16 of an inch in diameter, providing the necessary space for the gear train and timing assembly.

The piece is recorded under the museum accession number 17.190.1574. It is categorized as a watch within the institution's horological holdings, distinct from other decorative metalwork in the same collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: brass and steel”
  • “Diameter (back plate): 13/16 in. (2.1 cm)”
  • “Museum object number 17.190.1574”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific arrangement of the escapement within this brass and steel movement?
  • Are there similar extant skull watches attributed to Pierre Landré that share this specific case construction?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Skull-shaped watch attributed to Pierre Landré
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPierre Landré“It is attributed to Pierre Landré”
Museum Number17.190.1574“17.190.1574”
Case MaterialGilded brass“Case: gilded brass”
Movement MaterialBrass and steel“Movement: brass and steel”
Dimensions1 5/8 x 1 1/8 x 1 3/8 in.“Overall: 1 5/8 × 1 1/8 × 1 3/8 in. (4.1 × 2.9 × 3.5 cm)”
Subject TagSkulls“Subject tags assigned by the museum: Skulls.”

Visible details

  • Skull-shaped outer case
  • Suspension loop for attachment
  • Gilded surface finish with visible wear
  • Anthropomorphic anatomical form

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution is limited to the museum's assessment of Pierre Landré
  • The historical context for the skull design is not explicitly defined in the provided record

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Watch, ca. 1630–40

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6b9958f596

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.