Skull Pocket Watch

[jwdavis]

In my frequent trolling on ebay, I have come across a number of odd, funky or "curious" pocket watches, but nothing quite like this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=954684410&rd=1

Have any of the more experienced members here seen many of these? Would the movement be considered high quality?

It seems like a lot of money to spend on a "curious" watch even if the casing is sterling. Thanks.

Jack Davis
NAWCC #0155192
Chapter 3
Member *** Chapter

[jwdavis]

In my frequent trolling on ebay, I have come across a number of odd, funky or "curious" pocket watches, but nothing quite like this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=954684410&rd=1

Have any of the more experienced members here seen many of these? Would the movement be considered high quality?

It seems like a lot of money to spend on a "curious" watch even if the casing is sterling. Thanks.

Jack Davis
NAWCC #0155192
Chapter 3
Member *** Chapter

[tiger]

ck . page 550 1997 cooksey shugart. Might be the one.

[jwdavis]

Thanks Tiger,
I don't have the 1997 edition, but in the 2002 guide there is a picture of a reproduction on pg 577.

Jack

[Charles Medsker]

I can remeber seeing only one Skull Watch in 25 years, up until about 3-4 years ago when the knock-offs first appeared. Since then I've seen 2 or 3, but didn't examine them closely. Somehow I knew without asking, that they were fakes, when the sellers only asked $100.00 or so for them. As with any fake item, there are things to look for. Maybe one of the more expert guys can tell us what to look for? Could it be, the first clue would be, that the item is marked "Sterling,PAT PEND." instead of having hallmarks, as one would expect a watch with a fusee movement might/would have?



[This message has been edited by Charles Medsker (edited 08-31-2002).]

[Steve Beck]

This watch is a replica of a style popular around the 16th century in europe. The only difference is that the original ones only had an hour hand. Before John Harrison, watches were not very precise and a minute hand didn't make sense.

[cogito]

I'd avoid this one like the plague, particularly with the improbable, "I can't get to the movement," statement. Most of the skull watches I have seen on Ebay are 1950s reproductions with authentic late 18th to early 19th century verge fusee movements. There's a seller on Ebay with the handle, "steve-watches," who sells quite a few of these modern reproductions, as well as reproduction sun/moon mystery dials. He has sold so many over the past year that it makes me wonder if he or someone else hasn't manufactured numerous replacement dials and skull cases. Invariably, all of the skull watches online are vastly overpriced and have very common verge fusee movements. The uninitiated are taken by the apparent uniqueness of the item...but it's likely that many modern cases are floating around out there.

If you're in Toronto anytime soon, I would highly suggest visiting the art museum there. They have no less than three authentic early- to mid-17th century German skull watches on display. Once you see an authentic skull cased watch, you'll realize how inferior these modern knock-offs are.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Jeff Browndyke
Mystic, CT

[jwdavis]

Jeff,

Thanks for the information. I had not planned on bidding on this item. If nothing else, this message board has certainly taught me to be wary and sceptical of ebay offerings like this.

If I ever get to Toronto I will definitely check out the museum. Thanks!

Jack

[abereiter]

Would it be possible to get a link to some fotos of a real one? I'de like to compare them. Thanks, Aaron

------------------
Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC #156432

[cogito]

Aaron,

You're best bet would be one of the Sotheby's auction catalogs or contacting Antiquorium. Also, the Toronto Art Museum may have a catalog of their permanent collection...ask for information related to their early- to mid-17th century German artworks.

I don't have a picture on hand, but here's some additional information from P.W.Cumhaill, "Investing in Clocks and Watches" (1967):

The Memento Mori (skull) watch came into use at the beginning of the 17th century and was made over a period of about sixty years. Most of the cases are silver but some were made of rock crystal. The lower jaw and bottom of the skull are usually in one piece and are hinged to reveal the dial of the watch. The price does not vary a great deal but exceptionally large or small examples may fetch more. Skull watches should be examined very carefully as reproductions were mass produced in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.

The book notes that "real" skull watches were fetching $1500 - 2500 back in 1967, so you can bet that any hitting Ebay are the later fakes. Sotheby's and the higher-end auction houses would be the best bet for one turning up on the market.

Regards,
Jeff Browndyke
Mystic, CT