17th Century Antique Pocket Watches

Baroque Refinement and Mechanical Progress

In the 1600s, pocket watches became more refined, both mechanically and artistically. Cases grew slimmer and more rounded, while movements improved in accuracy with innovations like the balance spring. These timepieces were crafted from silver or gold and often featured elaborately decorated dials and engraved scenes inspired by mythology, nature, or heraldry. The use of repoussé (raised relief) work on outer cases and intricate filigree demonstrated the artistry of the Baroque period. Though still relatively imprecise by today’s standards, 17th-century watches marked a key step toward precision horology.