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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Watch

Watch by Hans Grüber

Partially verified

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.

The face of the watch, showing the dial, hour hand, and the internal structure of the pierced cover.
The face of the watch, showing the dial, hour hand, and the internal structure of the pierced cover. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Watch
Maker / attribution
Grüber, Hans
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
31-1866
Source-reported date
ca. 1560
Source-reported place
Nuremberg

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 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch with a cast, pierced and chased brass case, depicting St. George and the dragon.”
  • “Materials and techniques: Cast, pierced, chased and gilded brass with pewter”
  • “Height: 7.8 cm; Width: 6.6 cm; Depth: 2.7 cm”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch with a cast, gilded brass case, depicting St. George and the Dragon”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Maker: Grüber, Hans (maker)”
  • “Accession number: 31-1866”
  • “'Fur Gruber' | 'HVG'”
  • “maker's mark HVG for Hans Grüber, Germany (Nuremberg), about 1560”

Open research questions

  • What specific escapement mechanism is employed within the internal movement of the watch?
  • Are there specific variants of the 'HVG' mark associated with other documented works by Hans Grüber?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Hans Grüber
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGrüber, Hans“Maker: Grüber, Hans (maker)”
Accession number31-1866“Accession number: 31-1866”
Dateca. 1560“Date: ca. 1560”
Place of originNuremberg“Place of origin: Nuremberg (made)”
MaterialsCast, pierced, chased and gilded brass with pewter“Materials and techniques: Cast, pierced, chased and gilded brass with pewter”
DimensionsHeight: 7.8 cm; Width: 6.6 cm; Depth: 2.7 cm“Dimensions: Height: 7.8 cm; Width: 6.6 cm; Depth: 2.7 cm”
InscriptionsFur Gruber“'Fur Gruber'”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement mechanism condition is not documented in the provided source
  • Specific details regarding the escapement type are not mentioned in the provided documentation

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e6b608a996

Terms in this record

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

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