Alarm Watch, c. 1810
H. Laresche
Paris, France
When you think of a watch, you probably don't picture something that stands on paw feet, but that's exactly what this piece does. It bears little resemblance to a typical watch, and also does not have a typical alarm. While most alarms are set to go off at a specific time, the alarm on this watch goes off after a certain length of time has passed (e.g., after 8 hours). The device for setting the alarm is suspended above the dial of the watch, while the alarm bell is underneath.
The maker of this watch, H. Laresche, made watches for a very important client. Laresche worked for Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century, while Napoleon was Emperor of France (and much of western Europe). A metal plate on the case of this watch reveals its royal roots; it reads "HL / GALERIE DE VALOIS / PALAIS ROYAL".
Donated by New York University
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