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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Tulip-form watch

Henry Grendon Tulip-Form Watch

Partially verified

This watch, dated 1630-1650, features a silver parcel-gilt case shaped as a tulip bud. The case consists of three petals with relief veining, the front of which opens to reveal an engraved dial. The dial displays floral motifs, Roman hour numerals, and fleurs-de-lis at the half-hour marks, with a single steel hand. The movement is contained within oval brass plates and signed by Henry Grendon. Construction includes square baluster pillars, brass wheels, and a verge escapement with a brass balance wheel and pierced single-foot cock. The fusee is cut for a gut line, which is currently missing. The movement is set via a brass ratchet wheel. The watch was previously part of the Dunn Gardner collection and was acquired by the museum in 1902.

The dial of the Henry Grendon watch, showing floral engraving and Roman numerals.
The dial of the Henry Grendon watch, showing floral engraving and Roman numerals. — Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Tulip-form watch
Maker / attribution
Henry Grendon
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
549-1902
Source-reported date
1630-50
Source-reported place
England

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 Dial Design

The watch is housed in a silver parcel-gilt case fashioned into the shape of a tulip bud. This outer casing is constructed with three distinct petals, which are decorated with relief veining. The front petal is hinged and opens to permit access to the dial.

The internal dial is also silver and densely engraved with floral patterns, including depictions of tulips. Time is indicated by a single steel hand featuring a distinctive tail. The hours are marked in Roman numerals, while fleurs-de-lis are placed at each half-hour position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch with silver case of tulip form”
  • “The tulip bud has three petals with veining in relief.”
  • “Dial engraved with tulips and other flowers.”
  • “Roman hour numerals, fleurs-de-lis at the half hours.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is built using oval brass plates and incorporates square pillars of a baluster form. The gear train includes brass wheels and a fusee, although the original gut line required for the fusee mechanism is no longer present.

The timekeeping is regulated by a verge escapement. The assembly includes a brass balance wheel and a pierced single-foot cock. Setting of the mainspring is facilitated by a brass ratchet wheel located within the movement architecture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Square engraved pillars of baluster form, brass wheels.”
  • “Fusee cut for a gut line, but the line missing.”
  • “Verge escapement, brass balance wheel, pierced single-foot cock.”
  • “Brass ratchet wheel for mainspring set-up.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object bears the signature 'Henry Grendon at ye Exchange Fecit' on the top plate of the movement. Grendon is identified in historical records as a watchmaker operating in London during the 1630s and 1640s.

The watch possesses a recorded history as part of the Dunn Gardner collection, where it was on loan for three decades ending in 1901. It was subsequently sold at Christie's in 1902 before being acquired by the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement signed 'Henry Grendon at ye Exchange Fecit'”
  • “The watch was on loan from the Dunn Gardner Collection”
  • “bought by Mr S. J. Phillips at Christie's, 29 April 1902, in the Dunn Gardner sale”
  • “Watches with similar cases have movements by Richard Crayle”

Open research questions

  • Was the gut line historically replaced by a chain, or was it removed during the watch's period of collection?
  • Does the internal case structure bear any hallmarks to further narrow the date within the 1630-1650 range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Henry Grendon Tulip-Form Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHenry Grendon“Henry Grendon at ye Exchange Fecit”
Date1630-1650“1630-50”
MaterialSilver“silver parcel-gilt”
Movement FeaturesVerge escapement with pierced single-foot cock“Verge escapement, brass balance wheel, pierced single-foot cock.”
Case DesignTulip-form with three petals“The tulip bud has three petals with veining in relief.”
ProvenanceDunn Gardner Collection“The watch was on loan from the Dunn Gardner Collection from 23 July 1871 to 10 December 1901.”
Accession Number549-1902“549-1902”

Visible details

  • Front petal of the silver tulip case opens on a hinge
  • Dial features floral engraving
  • Single steel hand with a tail
  • Movement top plate bears the signature of Henry Grendon

Research qualifications

  • The gut line for the fusee is missing
  • Exact date remains attributed to the range 1630-1650

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

Consulted source

Watch, Henry Grendon, London, 1630-50

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0c61067efc

Terms in this record

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

Other tulip-form watch records