Jehan Cremsdorff Pocketwatch circa 1650 Smartwatch Watch Face

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Credits:
Music: Franz Joseph Haydn, Keyboard Trio No. 27, 1st Movement (1790)
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The Cremsdorff watch is an incredible object that has been mysteriously well-preserved over the centuries, with only minimal restoration to the enamel. Though little is known about him, Jehan Cremsdorff was a watchmaker active in Paris during the late 17th century. Its immensely elaborate enamel work indicates Cremsdorff probably made the watch for a royal or noble client; the identity of the original owner is lost to time, but the watch came from Sweden when it was first sold publicly.

Made of thin sheets of gold, the case is entirely enamelled, inside and out, an artistic accomplishment that was done by a now unknown Parisian enameller. The outer case is decorated with champleve and relief enamel, forming a remarkably intricate and vivid flower motif. And for good measure the outer case is also set with diamonds on both sides. The inside faces of the case are finished in a brilliant turquoise enamel that’s been painted by hand, depicting motifs based on woodblock prints by Abraham Bosse, a 17th century Parisian artist.

The Cremsdorff watch is so elaborate, and large – the case is 76mm in diameter – and technically rudimentary, that it does not seem like a timekeeper, at least in any modern sense. Opening the watch reveals the full plate movement with a verge escapement, which was invented in the 13th century. Though primitive in comparison to modern day watches, 17th century timepieces with such escapements could probably keep time to within a half hour a day, an acceptable performance all things considered.

But the watch is a significant cultural object, being an important example of early human endeavours in timekeeping. It is one of the best preserved 17th century timepieces anywhere in the world, and also one of the most elaborately decorated. In fact, the only comparable watches are found in major museums, like the Goullons watch in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or royal collections, the watch made for Queen Christina that sits in Stockholm’s Royal Palace being an example.

The Cremsdorff was offered at Sotheby’s Treasures auction in London on July 3, 2019. The watch was purchased at that auction by a representative of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva for £2.175m, or about US$2.734m, including fees.

Reference: https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/07/jeha...
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