This whole article started with a random eBay discovery: this antique skull pocketwatch, circa 1780, which as of this writing had one bid at $500.00. But the existence of one pretty awesome skull pocket watch led me to look for others, and to discover that, bizarre as it may seem, the skull has been a repeating theme in pocket watches for hundreds of years.

Watchismo.com introduced me to both this intricate silver watch made for Mary Queen of Scotts, and the following photo of an enamel Memento Mori watch from 1810:

and Antique-watch.com showcased this incredible piece from 1930:

Knock it Off: A comparable modern watch to the one above is made by Craig Compton, sold through Alan Furman & Co (price by request). Oddly, the Franklin Mint makes a gold take on the theme at $140.00, the Hour of Destiny Watch, and by far the least expensive knockoff I found is the Coll Skull Pendant Watch, at a ridiculous $2.58.

Tags: memento mori, skull pocket watch

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at 12:00 PM and is filed under Anachronism. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

1. Sidereal Says:
   July 29th, 2009 at 12:22 PM

   I love the one made for Mary Queen of Scots, Gorgeous!!!!!

2. ponty mython Says:
   July 29th, 2009 at 6:53 PM

   Man’s voice: Yoo arrr Mary, Queen of Scots?

   Woman’s voice: I am!

   (sound of violent blows being dealt, things being smashed, awful crunching noises, bones being broken, and other bodily harm being inflicted. All of this accompanied by screaming from the woman.)

3. WendyB Says:
   July 29th, 2009 at 9:45 PM

   I’ve been drooling over Mary’s piece for a while! Love, love, love: http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2007/10/where-be-your-gibes-now/

4. Miss Peregrin Says:
   July 29th, 2009 at 10:15 PM

   *grabby hands* They’re all so nice! Especially loving the last one from 1930.

5. Beth Says:
   July 30th, 2009 at 2:35 AM

   I had no idea either! Serious style that I am now lusting over immensely. Thankyou so much for sharing this awesome research.

6. Suzanne Says:
   July 30th, 2009 at 10:37 AM

   Very neat stuff indeed!

   I think you could also like Julia deVille’s amazing memento mori jewelry – especially her skull fob chains.

   x

   Suzanne

7. Alice Says:
   July 30th, 2009 at 6:26 PM

   Reminds me of a little display case of old pocket watches that’s hidden away in the Baltimore Museum of Art. All tucked away in a neglected little nook…such a shame!

   I’m not in love with the unbelievably inexpensive skull-watch, but reading this article has given me such a fever for morbid watches that I might just have to have it..!

8. tDIYm Says:
   July 30th, 2009 at 6:40 PM

   Wow. Just totally awesome. Wow. Love them!

9. Jessica Says:
   August 5th, 2009 at 9:57 PM

   Wonderful!!!

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