Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 543

Conradt Kreizer, (IV?) Augsburg or Strasburg. Made circa 1635. Fine and very rare, gilt-metal and rock crystal pendant watch.

CHF 25,000 - 30,000

USD 23,000 - 28,000 / EUR 16,000 - 20,000

Sold: CHF 25,200

C. Three-body, the centre section inset with eight faceted rock crystal panels, the hinged back and front covers with similar inset panels. Flat-section loose-ring pendant double-pivoted on a bar. D. Octagonal gilt brass dial plate with locating lugs, engraved with flowers and foliage, applied silver chapter ring with black enameled Roman numerals, the center engraved with a rosette. Single baluster-turned blued-steel hand. M. Octagonal gilt-brass full plates with turned urn pillars, six turn fusee with gut line, three-wheel train, verge escapement with plain two-arm steel balance without spring, irregular florally pierced and engraved balance cock secured by a screw, the ratchet wheel set-up cock with similar decoration, secured in the case by a double spring clip. Movement signed. Dim. 52 x 30 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3-11

Good

Slightly worn

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The Kreizer family became a veritable dynasty of watchmakers, with at least four apparently bearing the same Christian name. Some uncertainties exist as to whether Conrad III and IV were not in fact the same person, but certainly one of the Kreizers occupied the position of clockmaker to the Knights of the Grand Cross of Malta and indeed several watches signed by Kreizer use their characteristic cross as the form for the pendant. The watch now offered for sale has a pendant of similar construction, perhaps the form used for watches destined for 'secular' clients, but in all other aspects it is typical of his work.
Accurately dating certain watches by Kreizer can be difficult, as he appears to have continued to produce pieces of 16th century design long after they were superseded, perhaps due to the requirements of his important clients, which would certainly have brought him wide recognition.
Certain interesting features of the movement tend to support a date from the second quarter of the 17th century, for the stackfreed has been abandoned in favor of a fusee.