Pocket watch · Oval watch
This oval watch is attributed to the London-based watchmaker Robert Grinkin (born after 1605, Clockmakers' Company 1632, died 1661) and is dated to circa 1640–50. The object is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its construction features a silver case housing a movement composed of gilded brass and steel, with parts of the steel work being blued. The overall dimensions of the watch are approximately 3.8 cm by 3.2 cm. The movement plate bears the engraved signature "Robert Grinkin Londini" and incorporates an open-work balance bridge decorated with floral motifs. The watch has a single hour hand and a silver dial with Roman numerals. This item was gifted to the museum by J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
The case is equipped with a pendant and a small finial at the base, both of which are visible in the documented images.
The dial is also made of silver and displays Roman numerals arranged around a circular track. It utilizes a single hand for indicating the hour.
The interior of the watch contains a movement made primarily of gilded brass, with additional components fabricated from steel, including parts that have been finished in blue. The movement displays fine detail, particularly on the balance bridge, which features intricate floral scrollwork cut into the metal.
The movement plate is engraved with the maker's name and location, identifying the origin of the piece as London. The gear train and mechanical parts are arranged to fit the oval geometry of the case.
This watch was part of a gift to The Metropolitan Museum of Art from J. Pierpont Morgan in 1917. It is catalogued under the accession number 17.190.1482 within the museum's permanent collection.
The attribution is supported by the maker's signature and the documented details provided by the museum. While the maker is clearly identified as Robert Grinkin, the museum record notes that further research is needed to verify the piece against broader specialist literature.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Robert Grinkin | “Watchmaker: Robert Grinkin (British, born after 1605, Clockmakers' Comapny 1632, died 1661)” |
| Date | ca. 1640–50 | “ca. 1640–50” |
| Materials | Silver case, gilded brass and steel movement | “Case: silver; Movement: gilded brass and steel, partly blued” |
| Dimensions | 1 1/2 × 1 1/4 in. (3.8 × 3.2 cm) | “Overall: 1 1/2 × 1 1/4 in. (3.8 × 3.2 cm)” |
| Museum Number | 17.190.1482 | “17.190.1482” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
