About this Piece
The design on this watch is inspired by the Book of Kells, possibly the world's most famous manuscript. This design depicts two entwined birds, displayed in a beautiful Celtic knot. When the Latin missionaries brought Christianity to Ireland in early 400 A.D., they also brought a new way of teaching people Bible stories and prayers. As many people could not read, the monks used pictures and symbols in their writings, as can be seen in the Kells manuscript. The birds on this watch look similar to cranes - which symbolise long life, health, happiness, wisdom and good luck.
This is a mechanical gent's watch designed to capture that early Victorian look as portrayed by the gents of that time. The watch itself is a manual wind-up and the workings can be seen from both the front face and back. The chain is 12" in length and has a pocket clip on the end designed to slip on to the cuff of a pocket.
The perfect gift for the groomsman and best man on a wedding day or a delightful gift for that special man in your life to celebrate any occasion.
History of the Book of Kells
Its name comes from the Abbey of Kells in County Meath, though it was originally produced on the island of Iona off the coast of Scotland. Today it resides at Trinity College, Dublin.
About the Maker
In 1974, Paddy Collins revived the ancient craft of pewter manufacturing in Ireland, establishing his workshop in Mullingar, County Westmeath. Pewter has existed since ancient Egyptian and Roman times (as an alloy of tin mixed mainly with copper and antimony), and came to Ireland 800 years ago, becoming fashionable among the wealthy and for ceremonial purposes. Mullingar Pewter combines traditional handcrafted techniques that take many years to perfect, along with modern advances (modern pewter no longer contains lead, for instance), producing wonderful heritage gifts.