Swiss 18 carat gold Memento Mori chatelaine watch set Circa 1878

Extremely fine Memento Mori watch set with diamonds
–
An extremely fine Memento Mori chatelaine mourning watch set with diamonds, made by Vacheron & Constantin in Genève , Switzerland, circa 1878. The numbered open faced case of this watch is crafted from 18 carat gold and the back lid is black enamelled and decorated with a monogram BH which is set with rose cut diamonds. The engine turned cuvette is inscribed Berthe Herluin 1878 and the very fine white enamel Louis XV dial has Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track with Arabic five minute numerals and pink gold hands. The bar movement has a Vacheron & Constantin cylinder escapement and key winding.
The watch comes with an original matching chatelaine and the original presentation box.
Movement signed.
–
Diameter: 31 mm
–
Weight: 24 g
–
Signed: Vacheron & Constantin and Veuve C. Vacheron & C^ie. Succ^rs
–
The so called Memento Mori mourning jewellery was a central part of ritualised mourning at the time. Mostly they were brooches or pendants, black enamelled and decorated with monograms. Extremely rare are these precious chatelaine watches, especially when they were made by such renowned Geneva manufacturers like Patek Philippe or Vacheron & Constantin, as in the case of this piece.
–
Memento Mori
“Memento Mori” is a Latin phrase that translates to “remember that you will die” or “remember death.” It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and has been used throughout history in various philosophical, artistic and religious contexts. The concept encourages individuals to reflect on their mortality, often to inspire them to live more meaningful, virtuous, or purposeful lives. It has been a common theme in art, literature, and philosophy, particularly in Stoicism, where it is used to emphasize the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life.