German astronomical book form verge pendant watch Circa 1580

Gilt metal pendant watch by Hans Schnier
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A German gilt metal key wind astronomical pendant watch in the shape of a book, circa 1580. This watch features a gilt movement with a verge escapement. The front dial plate is beautifully decorated with intricate engravings. The lower dial showcases engraved Roman hours, with steel hands and raised buttons for easy time reading in the dark. Additionally, three engraved dials display the date, month, and moon phases. On the back of the lid, you’ll find a sundial. The case is designed like a book, with pierced and engraved gilded metal.
The book bears a signature, which consists of the initials H.S. above a triple-towered castle and below the castle, the initials Z.S. However, the authenticity of this signature is doubtful. There is an inscription that reads HANS SCHNIER/ IN SPEIR/OPERA/ 1583, but it is also believed to be a later addition and not original to the book.
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Dimensions: 25 x 108 x 57 mm
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Signed: H.S. and Z.S.
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Hans Schnier, also known as Hans Schniep, was a well-known watchmaker in Speyer (Germany) during the late 16th century, around 1583. He was documented as a citizen of Speyer in 1572, and his name appeared in the guild books of blacksmiths until 1599. Although it is said that Schniep passed away in 1624, the watchmaker’s mark on this book clock, which is believed to date back to around 1580, bears the name Hans Schnier from Speyer, which is another name for Hans Schniep.