Conradt Kreizer

Conradt Kreizer, (IV? ) Augsburg or Strasburg. Made circa 1635. Fine and very rare, gilt-metal and rock crystal pendant watch. Three-body, the centre section inset with eight faceted rock crystal panels, the hinged back and front covers with similar inset panels. Flat-section loose-ring pendant double-pivoted on a bar. Octagonal gilt brass dial plate with locating lugs, engraved with flowers and foliage, applied silver chapter ring with black enameled Roman numerals, the center engraved with a rosette. Single baluster-turned blued-steel hand. Octagonal gilt-brass full plates with turned urn pillars, six turn fusee with gut line, three-wheel train, verge escapement with plain two-arm steel balance without spring, irregular florally pierced and engraved balance cock secured by a screw, the ratchet wheel set-up cock with similar decoration, secured in the case by a double spring clip. Movement signed. Dim. 52 x 30 mm. Notes The Kreizer family became a veritable dynasty of watchmakers, with at least four apparently bearing the same Christian name. Some uncertainties exist as to whether Conrad III and IV were not in fact the same person, but certainly one of the Kreizers occupied the position of clockmaker to the Knights of the Grand Cross of Malta and indeed several watches signed by Kreizer use their characteristic cross as the form for the pendant. The watch now offered for sale has a pendant of similar construction, perhaps the form used for watches destined for 'secular Read more…