Novelty watch · Genève
Montre "tête de mort"
VerifiedSkull watches were in fashion at the beginning of the 17th century. In this 19th century copy, signed by three famous names in the history of Geneva watchmaking, the skull forms the dome of the case while the lower jaw, worked by a hinge placed behind the head, serves as a cover for the dial. An engraving at the top of the skull reads Fäden nur zu seinem Leichentuche, sind die Stunden, die der Mensch verlebt. (The passing hours are but the threads of a man’s shroud).
Technical facts
- Inventory number
- MIH I-2
- Object type
- Novelty watch
- Place of production
- Genève
- Dating
- 1830 - 1850
- Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
- Argent, Laiton
- Dimensions (catalogue)
- Dimensions: 37.0 x 37.0 x 48.0 mm; poids: 51.500 g
- Inscriptions (catalogue)
- Fäden nur zu seinem Leichentüche, sind die Studen, die der Mensch verlebt (gravé sur le crâne)
Historical significance
- Skull watches were in fashion at the beginning of the 17th century. In this 19th century copy, signed by three famous names in the history of Geneva watchmaking, the skull forms the dome of the case while the lower jaw, worked by a hinge placed behind the head, serves as a cover for the dial. An engraving at the top of the skull reads Fäden nur zu seinem Leichentuche, sind die Stunden, die der Mensch verlebt. (The passing hours are but the threads of a man’s shroud).
Photographs
Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.
Sources & references
- Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. I-2: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/37699/
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.