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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Paris, France · c. 1532–1606

Philippe Danfrie

Partially verified

Designer and maker of scientific instruments and mathematical devices

Life & work

Born in Cornouaille, Philippe Danfrie moved to Paris in the 1550s to establish himself as an engraver.

His professional career was exceptionally diverse, encompassing roles as a publisher, punchcutter, and superintendent of the Paris Mint. Danfrie achieved significant recognition for the invention of the graphometer, a tool for angular measurement that remained in use for over 150 years. In addition to his surveying tools, he produced a range of complex scientific instruments including globes, astrolabes, and clocks.

The fuller biography summarises the open references listed under Sources; each statement was checked against the cited passage. Confirm key dates in period documents before relying on them.

Training, contributions & innovations

  • He invented the graphometer, which utilized a novel method involving triangles for topographical measurements.
  • As Engraver-General of the French coinage, he standardized the production of dies for mints throughout France.

Documented works

  • His published works include a treatise on the usage of his invented graphometer.

Key models

Graphometer
The graphometer is a surveying instrument for angular measurement that consists of a graduated semi-circle.

Collecting significance

The catalogued pieces listed on this page show the kinds of objects auction houses, dealers and museums attribute to this maker; each attribution is the source's own.

Firms, key models & movements

No firm, model or movement in this encyclopedia is yet recorded under this maker's name.

In the object catalogue

4 catalogued objects are recorded under Philippe Danfrie. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

Diagram

12345let downstripcleanoilregulateorder of work; never skip letting down the mainspring
Schematic: order of work at the bench. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. Philippe Danfrie, Wikipedia (English), retrieved 2026-11-03 (text CC BY-SA 4.0)
  2. Graphomètre, Wikipedia (French), retrieved 2026-11-03 (text CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.