Nuremberg egg

noun

Horology.

1. an egg-shaped watch of the 16th century: one of the earliest watches.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nuremberg egg¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Johnnie looked at his thick oval watch—a "Nuremberg Egg," as it was called in those days—cut short his reverie of sweet remembrance, and went straight to the King Consort's wing of the Palace.

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Beside the rouge pot is a Nuremberg egg watch, quietly ticking in its crystal case.

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After a last lingering look in the mirror Mme. la Marquise rose and walked slowly towards the fire, but suddenly, remembering that there was yet one adornment wanting, turned back, and took from a beautiful casket standing open on the toilet-table, a large, thick watch—called in those days a Nuremberg egg—which was curiously enamelled in a variety of bright colours, and set with brilliants.

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