German iron and bronze sun dial pocket watch Circa 1580

Museum quality Renaissance pendant watch
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A museum quality Renaissance pendant watch with additional sundial, made by Jacob van Kress in Augsburg, Germany, circa 1580. The case of this watch was likely made from iron and bronze, it features a gilt lid with silver Renaissance mounts, while the central section was probably originally covered in leather or stingray skin and it is hinged on both sides. The silver dial under the front lid features an enamelled ring with Roman hour numerals and the sundial under the back lid features a silvered ring with Arabic numerals. The movement is fitted with an early verge escapement, is stack freed, has a hog’s bristle regulation and a foliot.
The movement is signed (monogram).
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Dimensions: 67 x 49 x 43 mm
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Signed: IVK (Jacob van Kress)
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Another Renaissance pendant watch with this signature is illustrated in Reinhard Meis ‘Von der Halsuhr zum Tourbillon. This watch matches the one presented here, which is predominantly in its original condition, in many details of the movement.
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Van Kress (also spelt von Kreß)
Jacob van Kress (also spelt von Kreß) was a prominent early 17^th century clockmaker active in Augsburg, Germany, which was then a premier European hub for horology. Born around 1562, he was active in the trade before the turn of the century. While he did not officially become an independent master in Augsburg until 1599, he is credited with creating high quality timepieces as early as 1580.