18ct yellow gold and enamel set form watch in the shape of an Elephant, made for the Chinese Market. Made 1820s

The history of Chinese watches goes back a long way. For many historians, China is the cradle of human time-keeping. Chinese time-keeping devices date back over 4000 years, but the country’s clock-making industry only really began business in earnest after a European clock design was introduced to the Emperor’s court by a Jesuit monk by the name of Michele Ruggieri, sometime around 1600s

Timepieces have long been used as diplomatic gifts, often serving as cultural symbols of peace offerings, gratitude or friendship. The earliest diplomatic relations with China date to the reign of Louis IX (1214-1270) when he sent an ambassador to meet with Möngke, the fourth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. The 13-14^th century saw the first introduction of Western timekeepers to the Far East through Latin missionaries, and Portuguese traders were quick to establish trade for such object. Fascination with mechanical timepieces grew and by the 17-18^th century Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) had established an underground horological workshop in his palace manned with craftsman from around the world.