Austrian pair cased watch with rock crystal bridge Circa 1760

Silver and metal verge clock watch by Johann Michael Riedl
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A large Austrian Alpine pair cased verge pocket watch with rock crystal bridge, circa 1760. The watch has an outer silver/metal case with decorative nails. The inside has a paper inlay with a saint’s portrait, while the inner case is solid silver with a closable winding hole. The master’s mark DMM (with crown) is also visible on the inner case. The watch has a verge movement with extraordinary decoration, including a balance bridge with a faceted rock crystal disc. It is signed by Johann Michael Riedl No.169. The enamel dial has Roman radial hours, an outer minutes track with Arabic five-minute numerals and iron hands.
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Diameter: 66 mm
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Weight: 210 g
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Signed: Riedl Linz
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Johann Michael Riedl, an Austrian watchmaker, is also known as Michael Riedel. The spelling of his last name can vary, and is sometimes written as Rindel or Ridl. The clock “Michael Rindel” signature is most likely associated with Johann Michael Riedel. He was born in Linz in 1729 and worked as a small watchmaker. In 1769, he became a citizen of the city. On July 23, 1760, he got married. Riedel resided in the lower suburbs, close to the gate (which was demolished in 1821). His house was located at number 26 on the main street in the suburb, just before the outer gate. According to Abeler, he was the father of Joseph Riedl. Johann Michael Riedel passed away on April 28, 1808, at the age of 79. Riedl died on April 28, 1808, at the age of 79.