mormon watch shrine

This is a historically accurate replica of the pocket watch worn by John Taylor, the friend of Joseph Smith. I worked based on the pictures of the original watch that is over 170 years old. All the carvings except for the face of the watch were done by hand carefully copying the original pattern. There were no computers and modern carving machines at the time the watch is made, yet the new technology could not replace the skill of the old craftsmen. It is made out of non precious metal then plated with 18K gold.

It was a long process. The watch is precious to the owner and could not be transported or examined in person. Imprinting the pattern was also not feasible as it would require pressing a molding material onto the watch which the owner did not like. The only option was to take 360 degree pictures and slowly re-create the pattern by hand. It took patience and time to finally produce a brand new piece that an average person would instantly recognised as old.