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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Oval watch

Gribelin Engraved Silver and Gilt Brass Watch

Partially verified

This watch, dated 1614, is constructed from engraved silver and gilded brass. The object features a highly decorated dial engraved with foliage, figures, a donkey, and two rabbits, with a central scene depicting Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac. The interior of the case back is equipped with a sundial. The watch movement is signed by the maker, Simon Gribelin of Blois, with the date 1614 inscribed on the movement plate. The overall dimensions are 7.5 cm in height, 4.4 cm in width, and 3.2 cm in depth. The exterior of the case is engraved with a coat of arms surrounded by a laurel wreath. It is noted that the finial of the case has been filed off. The watch remains in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum under the accession number 1066-1853.

Front view of the watch with dial depicting the sacrifice of Isaac.
Front view of the watch with dial depicting the sacrifice of Isaac. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Oval watch
Maker / attribution
Gribelin, Simon
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1066-1853
Source-reported date
1614
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Exterior Features

The watch case is crafted from engraved silver and gilded brass. The exterior back cover displays an engraved coat of arms framed by a wreath. The overall oval shape of the watch measures 7.5 cm in height by 4.4 cm in width and 3.2 cm in depth.

It is documented that the original finial of the case has been filed off, impacting the original structural profile of the timepiece. The internal face of the back cover contains an integrated sundial feature.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved silver and gilded brass”
  • “Inside the back is a sundial”
  • “The finial of the case has been filed off.”

Dial and Decoration

The dial is extensively decorated with engravings featuring foliage and various figures. Central to the design, within the chapter ring, is a depiction of the biblical scene of Abraham on the point of sacrificing Isaac.

The surrounding ornamentation includes depictions of a donkey and two rabbits, illustrating the level of detail applied to the metalwork surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial engraved with foliage, figures, a donkey and two rabbits”
  • “within the chapter ring, with a scene of Abraham on the point of sacrificing Isaac.”

Movement and Signatures

The movement is constructed of gilded brass with intricate foliate bridges. The movement plate is clearly signed and dated by the maker, identifying it as a product of Simon Gribelin in Blois, dated 1614.

The movement plate contains clear inscriptions that anchor the object to both the maker and the year of manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed 'Gribelin A Blois'”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific heraldry depicted on the case back?
  • Does the internal sundial retain all original functional components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gribelin Engraved Silver and Gilt Brass Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGribelin, Simon“Gribelin, Simon (maker)”
Place of originFrance“France (made)”
Accession number1066-1853“1066-1853”
Dimensions7.5 cm x 4.4 cm x 3.2 cm“Height: 7.5 cm; Width: 4.4 cm; Depth: 3.2 cm”
InscriptionsGribelin A Blois 1614“signed 'Gribelin A Blois'”

Visible details

  • Case back features a coat of arms within a laurel wreath
  • Dial engraving includes two rabbits and a donkey
  • Movement features ornate foliate bridges
  • Movement plate is signed 'Gribelin A Blois 1614'

Research qualifications

  • The finial of the case is reported as filed off
  • The original state of the sundial mechanism cannot be fully verified through the available images

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5997cbf573

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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