Paul Ditisheim Silver Hamlet Skull Pocket Watch Circa 1915

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This is an extraordinarily rare pocket watch by the famous Swiss watchmaker Paul Ditisheim. Made of silver, the watch is … Read more This is an extraordinarily rare pocket watch by the famous Swiss watchmaker Paul Ditisheim. Made of silver, the watch is a detailed, three-dimensional human skull that hinges open at the jaw to reveal an impeccably crafted time piece inside. The dial is an ivory-colored enamel, with blued steel Louis XV hands. It has arabic numerals in a black font, with the exception of the 12, which is red. It is a ten jewel watch with a stem wind, as well as a minute hand. The skull has a great patina, with eyes that are sunken and blackened, and lifelike details that give the skull an ancient feel.

The skull is a reference to Shakespeare, invoking the scene of Hamlet encountering a skull in a graveyard. It also serves as a momento mori. It is engraved on the back with “Le temps mesure tout, mais je le mesure” which translates to “Time measures all, but I measure time.” Skull watches made their debut in the 16th century as a form of momento mori, an object that reminds us we all must die.

The Hamlet watch was designed by Paul Ditisheim, an inventor known as the Father of Chronometers, who created some of the most precise chronometers ever made. He registered his design for the Hamlet watch in 1895, and the watch was featured in his 1915 catalogue on p. 50, inventory number CL 555- CL557. Some of the Hamlet watches are marked with Paul Ditisheim’s name, while others are simply marked as Hamlet Model Dispose and with the registered design number. All are attributed to Paul Ditisheim.

The skull measures 35 x 36 mm. The dial measures 26 mm across. It weighs 62.26 grams. The watch is marked 0875, which is the silver content that was used in Switzerland during that time. It also has the Swiss mark for 875 silver, which is a rampart bear, and is marked “model dispose” with the design number 7913. The bottom of the skull has a dial that sets the time, and a knob that winds the watch.

The piece is in excellent condition. It was recently serviced by watch experts and keeps perfect time. See less