Relojes de bolsillo en la corte española: joyas para medir el tiempo

Abstract

The necessity of measuring time and of regulating the daily routine forced the clockmakers to manufacture the first personal clocks. Since the very first moment it became a luxury object coveted by the wealthiest customers. In the 18th century luxury and precision became associated. Clocks became an essential object for the daily life. The Spanish kings, as well as the rest of the European royalty, became great owners and collectors of these objects. They invested in expensive clocks produced with gold and silver, enriched with gemstones and signed by the best European clockmakers. Most of them were supplied by traders and ambassadors from London and Paris. The accounts registered on the national treasury are the best way to became acquainted with these acquirements.