Table clock with skeleton movement

mid-16th century or earlier
Not on view
This variety of small, portable timekeeper, which was made for many years, was probably intended to be carried with or on the person. The type existed as early as the middle of the fifteenth century and therefore may be regarded as a forerunner of the watch. The iron wheel-balance of this one is missing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Table clock with skeleton movement
  • Date: mid-16th century or earlier
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Case and dial: gilded brass; Movement: skeleton-type, iron; gilt bronze
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 5/8 × 2 1/2 in. (4.1 × 6.4 cm)
  • Classification: Horology
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Simon Guggenheim, 1929
  • Object Number: 29.52.7
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.