Description |
EPW - Johann Fischer, Grossenhain, rare ring form verge watch in 16th century design and style, oval watch casing measures 26mm x 18.5mm, ring portion is approximately a size 10, gilt silver case with hinged upper lid, perimeter of oval case with inscription of "TEMPVS EDAX RERVM (time devours all things) TACITI SENESCIMVS ANNIS (silent old years)" and "TEMPOPA PRETERIVT MORE FIVENTI AOVE," underside of case with an engraved crest, ring shank with rams on each side, inner surface of ring shank is marked "WOLFGANGH GRAF ZV CASTEL," gilt dial with silver hour chapter, single hand, KW (key not included with this lot) with setting via push of hand, verge escapement, round balance without hairspring, oval gilt mvt, no visible s#. Comes as pictured with an unmarked leather box.
Currently not running and in need of much skilled restoration, this is a truly fascinating and visually striking piece. The external design of this ring watch is substantially in accord with an illustration from a publication dated 1561, specifically plate 32 from "Livre d'Anneaux d'Orfèvrerie" by Pierre Woeiriot de Bouzey, and please see our photos for a image of the plated illustration of ring watch design. The movement of this watch is likewise in the style of 16th century watchmaking, with pre-hairspring style balance arrangement and with other aspects of the era. In contrast with this ostensible dating though, we note though that the signature of the watch aligns with an entry in Brian Loomes' "Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World" for a Johann Benjamin Fischer of Dresden with the additional note that in 1780 he was court clockmaker, and that he was "granted permit to start a factory in Gros-senhain (sic)." If this entry as-written is indeed correct and applicable to the present piece, this indicates a likely proper dating and attribution as a late 18th century piece that was produced in homage, or imitation, of 16th century style. We suspect this interpretation is likely the correct, that this piece is likely of late 18th century origins and executed in the style of a piece approximately two centuries prior, but as we do not have further information toward a definitive conclusion we ask that bidders make their own assessment as to its dating.
CONDITION: Mvt: NR, incomplete with missing items including contrate wheel, catgut, and motion works, areas of soldered past repairs evident to dial plate, center wheel arbor protrudes through a far larger plate aperture, mvt is not secured to dial which lifts off freely; excellent dial; fine hand is currently being held in its position as pictured by a small speck of Rodico; case and ring shank show light wear, some typical small nicks, good engraving detail, areas of gilt loss; crystal with numerous mild fine scratches and pinpoint nicks. Box shows substantial wear, portions of finish loss to exterior, button latch good.
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