Orpheus: A Love Story, Told in Time
Britain has always been a land of stories. Some are carved in stone, some whispered in poetry, and some carried forward in the artistry of objects made by hand. At Harold Pinchbeck, we believe a watch can be more than just a measure of hours and minutes — it can carry a story, a piece of culture, a memory. Few of our watches capture this belief more poignantly than the Orpheus.
The Legend of Orpheus and Eurydice
In Greek mythology, Orpheus was the greatest musician who ever lived. His songs could charm animals, trees, even the stones of the earth. But when his beloved Eurydice died, his music turned to mourning. In his grief, he travelled to the underworld itself, where he played with such beauty that even Death was moved.
Orpheus was granted a chance to bring Eurydice back to the world of the living — on one condition. He must lead her out without once looking back. Yet just as they reached the light, doubt overcame him. He turned. And she was gone.
A story of love, longing, and loss. A reminder that sometimes our impatience is the very thing that breaks our hearts.
A Watch of Symbols and Story
The Orpheus watch takes this timeless tale and translates it into the language of timekeeping. Its two hands are tipped with delicate symbols: a lyre for Orpheus, and an oak leaf for Eurydice. With every turn of the dial, the lovers draw nearer. And once each hour, the two symbols touch — a fleeting embrace, before drifting apart again.
This quiet meeting and parting, repeated forever, is a poetic reminder to live in the moment. A watch that doesn’t just tell the time, but tells a story every time you glance at your wrist.
Crafted in Britain, Inspired by Myth
Like all Pinchbeck watches, the Orpheus is proudly designed, assembled, and finished in Lincoln — a city steeped in its own stories, standing in the shadow of its great medieval cathedral. We work with British artisans to bring every element to life, from painted dials to handmade leather straps.
The Orpheus is more than a watch. It is a piece of artistry, mythology, and British craft, woven together into something timeless.
For Collectors Who Value Meaning
In a world of mass-produced luxury, the Orpheus stands apart. It is not made for everyone — it is made for the collector who values symbolism, storytelling, and the artistry of horology. To wear the Orpheus is to carry with you not just a measure of hours, but a reminder that every moment matters.