London, England · c. 1570–1626 (Senior); 1605–1661 (Junior)
Robert Grinkin
Partially verifiedMaker of catalogued oval pendant watch, oval watch
Life & work
Robert Grinkin the Elder, likely born around 1570, established his reputation as a clockmaker in Fleet Street, London, and became a member of the Blacksmiths' Company.
Upon the death of his father in 1626, Robert Grinkin the Younger inherited the family tools and books, subsequently continuing the business at the same London location. The family legacy is preserved through their horological works, many of which remain in the collections of major institutions such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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
- Robert Grinkin the Elder was part of a group of clockmakers who petitioned King James I in 1622 for the formal establishment of a clockmakers' guild.
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
Famous objects
- Octagonal watch signed Robert Grinkin · ca. 1610–1620; brief description separately says about 1640
In the object catalogue
2 catalogued objects are recorded under Robert Grinkin. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.
- Oval silver watch by Robert GrinkinOval watch · ca. 1640–50
- Robert Grinkin Oval Pendant WatchOval pendant watch · circa 1625
Diagram
Sources & references
- Grinkin, Robert (2), Watch-Wiki, retrieved 2026-11-03
- Grinkin, Robert (1), Watch-Wiki, retrieved 2026-11-03
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.