Early English gilt metal and silver oval verge watch Circa 1625

Gilt metal and silver oval verge by Robert Grinkin
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English gilt metal and silver oval pocket watch, circa 1625. Gilt oval full plate movement with engraved border, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved pinned on floral balance cock and foot, flat steel balance, ratchet and click set up, fusee and gut line, baluster pillars. Gilt metal dial with Roman numerals and half-hour markers, decoratively engraved floral border, a cherub above 12 o’clock flanked by a pair of dolphins and birds, the centre with engraved townscape scene, applied silver chapter ring of later date possibly late 17th century and double ended blued steel floriated hand. Gilt metal covers to both case sides, engraved borders, the back with winding shutter and centered with an engraved flower, the inside of the front cover with an engraved wreath, silver band engraved with flowers, acanthus leaves, and stems.
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Diameter: 67 mm
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Signed: Robert Grinkin
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Robert Grinkin, both father and son, were members of the Blacksmiths’ Company. Robert Senior was made Master of that Company in 1609 and was later one of the original petitioners for a Clockmakers’ Company in 1622, he died in 1626. Robert Junior was made a Free Brother of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1632, Warden from 1640, Master of the Clockmakers’ in 1648 and again in 1654. Between 1645 and 1658, his house was in Fleet Street, and during his period as Master, the Clockmakers’ Company Courts were held there. Robert Junior died in 1661. It is likely that the present watch was made by Robert Grinkin Junior. Examples of the Grinkins’ work can be found in the British Museum London.