Watch by Hans Grüber
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1560
This watch, catalogued as accession number 31-1866, is attributed to the maker Hans Grüber of Nuremberg, with a dating of circa 1560. The object is constructed of cast, pierced, chased, and gilded brass, with components of pewter.
Its dimensions are 7.8 cm in height, 6.6 cm in width, and 2.7 cm in depth. The exterior case features a detailed sculptural representation of Saint George and the Dragon. The timepiece is signed and marked with the inscription 'Fur Gruber' and the maker's mark 'HVG'. The construction involves intricate metalwork techniques to create the pierced decorative elements of the case. The inner dial features a complex layout for timekeeping, including a central numeric track set within an outer ring displaying Roman numerals for the hours.
The object is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, documenting this specific early horological form.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- ca. 1560
- Type
- Early watch (16th–17th century)
- Maker
- Grüber, Hans
- Materials
- Cast, pierced, chased and gilded brass with pewter
- Dimensions
- Height: 7.8 cm; Width: 6.6 cm; Depth: 2.7 cm
- Inscriptions
- Fur Gruber
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Place of origin
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Grüber, Hans
Design
- Visible features
- • Exterior case features a pierced metal relief of Saint George fighting the dragon • Dial layout includes an outer ring with Roman numerals and an inner ring with Arabic numerals • The back of the case features an intricate pierced scrollwork design with a central mask motif • A suspension loop is attached at the top of the case for portable use
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The dial of the watch features a multi-layered design. A single hour hand is visible in the center, which operates within these concentric tracks. The materials for the dial follow the overall construction of the object, utilizing brass for the main plates. The internal display components are clearly articulated to contrast with the gold-toned metal of the dial plate, ensuring legibility for the timekeeping function.
- Case and Exterior Design
- The watch is housed in a circular brass case that has been cast, pierced, and chased. The decorative treatment includes a prominent relief depicting Saint George and the Dragon on the main cover. The surrounding border and the reverse side of the watch utilize intricate pierced scrollwork, incorporating organic motifs and a central mask design. The construction utilizes gilded brass and includes elements made of pewter. A suspension ring is present at the apex of the case, indicating the method of carry.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The object is identified by the inscription 'Fur Gruber', which references the maker Hans Grüber. Additionally, the specific maker's mark 'HVG' is present on the piece, serving as a formal attribution to the Nuremberg-based craftsman. The watch is catalogued by the Victoria and Albert Museum under accession number 31-1866, confirming its institutional provenance as an documented example of 16th-century horological production in Germany.
Identification
- Accession number
- 31-1866
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The internal movement mechanism condition is not documented in the provided source
- Research required: Specific details regarding the escapement type are not mentioned in the provided documentation