Dutch gold and rock crystal verge octagonal watch Circa 1640

Gold and rock crystal verge by Jacob Wybrants
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A Dutch verge octagonal one-handed pendant watch in gold and rock crystal case, circa 1640.
This watch boasts a full plate fire gilt movement, with a beautifully crafted pierced and engraved balance cock. The plain steel balance, gut line fusee, and ratchet and click setup ensure timekeeping, while the turned baluster pillars add an elegant touch. The engraved gilt dial with silver chapter ring and blued steel hand lend a classic charm to the watch. The octagonal rock crystal gold and partly enamelled case is a true work of art. Crafted by renowned watchmaker Jacob Wybrants, this timepiece is signed J. Vibrandi, Leovardiae on the movement.
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Dimensions: 38 x 29 mm
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Signed: J. Vibrandi, Leovardiae
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Today Leeuwarden is a small, rather quiet city, but in the seventeenth century, it was the capital of a wealthy Dutch province as well as the seat of the Prince Stadholder of Friesland. It is not entirely unlikely, therefore, that a relatively unimportant watchmaker found a patron for this elegant watch. In 1648 the estate of Leeuwarden goldsmith Minne Sikkes (recorded 1618, d. 1648) contained one large crystal watch case and four smaller ones.