Watch with automaton

Watchmaker: Charles Clay British

ca. 1720

Not on view

A painted enamel scene of Adam and Eve replaces the standard pierced and engraved brass cock for the balance staff on the back plate of this watch. With the ticking of the watch, the silver snake moves around the circumference of the enamel. Automata like this one were often exported to Russia; its probable maker, Charles Clay, is better known for having collaborated with George Frideric Handel in producing a series of musical clocks.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Watch with automaton
Maker: Watchmaker: Charles Clay (British, 1695–1740)
Date: ca. 1720
Culture: British, London
Medium: Case: gold and silver; Dial: champlevé gold
Dimensions: Diameter: 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
Classification: Horology
Credit Line: Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889
Object Number: 89.2.92
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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