The object seen here is alleged to be a watch, discovered in 2008 within an ancient Chinese tomb from the Ming dynasty era that had been sealed for some 400 years. It was first thought to be a ring, but was reported to be a tiny gold watch with the word “Swiss” written on the back.

The Ming Dynasty ended in 1644, and Switzerland was not to be founded for another 200 years. The tomb itself has been dated to 500 years before the founding of The Old Swiss Confederacy... So how did this watch manage to find its way inside this ancient mausoleum?

While it is difficult to assess the exact date the first watch was created, it is known that watch technology dates back to around 1520, with almost no existing archeological watches predating 1550. As for ring-style watches, Queen Elizabeth I supposedly wore one in 1558, but they were not common among European nobility until 1780. Ring watches were not popular or sought after in China at any point during the Ming Dynasty.

Details of the find remain sketchy, with inconclusive information as to whether the artifact was found within the sealed tomb, or lain on top of it. Theories for its origin range from time-travellers who dropped the anachronistic artifact to the possibility that tomb-raiders may have accidentally left it behind. While the second theory can’t be discredited, the area showed no signs of thievery or damage. Alternatively, some suspect an animal could have picked it up and dropped it at the site.

Some also believe the mystery could be linked to the Knights Templar who are thought to be guardians of magical artifacts. They are rumored to have been central to the foundation of Switzerland and its long tradition of secrecy and are thought to have been active around the world at the time.