Papillon Reversible Pendant Watch

Description

The Museum’s collection includes a Swiss watch (early 19th century) in the shape of a butterfly, delicately crafted in gold with painted enamel. Our pendant watch is based on this delightful original.

18K gold overlay, hand enameled, with simulated glass pearls, glass cabochons, and a mother-of-pearl face. Quartz movement. Lobster claw closure. Chain: 32''L; pendant: 1 1/4''H x 2''W.

Art History

In 1685, large numbers of French Protestant (Huguenot) artisans were driven out of France by the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Among them were watchmakers and enamelers, many of whom relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, which benefited from this influx and began to flourish as a center of watchmaking and watchcase enameling. From about 1790 to 1840, whimsical novelty watches were produced there. Often decorated with brilliant enamel and precious stones, these watches—shaped like insects, flowers, musical instruments, and other fanciful objects— represented the beauty of the jeweler’s art married with the watchmaker’s craft.