German octagonal one-handed pendant watch with date Circa 1620
- Kenmerk
- AM0266
- Diameter
- -
- Estimate
- € 17.500 - 35.000
- Price sold
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Gilt metal, rock crystal and lapis lazuli watch by Nicolaus Rugendas
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A German octagonal verge pendant watch with date and single hand, circa 1620. The watch has a gilt metal movement with a verge escapement. The dial features radial Roman numerals for the hours, half-hour markers, an inner ring for the date indication, and a single steel hand. The watch is enclosed in gilt metal and lapis lazuli, and it has a hinged rock crystal cover that hides the dial when shut. Nicolaus Rugendas the Elder is the watchmaker who signed the movement with NR conjoined.
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Dimensions: 38 x 32 mm
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Signed: NR
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Nikolaus Rugendas was born in Melsungen, Hesse in 1582. He moved to Augsburg in 1608, where he became a recognized and skilled watchmaker. In the same year, he married Sarah Schmidt. He was appointed and sworn in as a master watchmaker in 1638/1639. It is believed that he also worked in Regensburg. While some fancy-shaped and crucifix clocks have been attributed to him, there is no conclusive proof.
He had nine children, including two sons, Hans Jakob I and Nicholas II, who also became watchmakers. Nicholas II Rugendas lived in Augsburg and was active as a watchmaker from 1619 to 1695. One of his masterpieces was a table clock that was purchased by Archduke Leopold Wilhelm in 1661. Several sundials, moon clocks and a few dozen wheels have also been attributed to him, although it is uncertain whether the wheel clocks were made by his father. Nicholas II had a son, Nicholas III, who was also a small clock and compass maker.
Nicholas Rugendas passed away in 1658.
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Lapis lazuli is a stone found in various colours, such as azure blue, blue-purple, pale green or red. The stone has an opaque appearance with a sheen that can be either glassy or greasy. Lapis lazuli mainly consists of the mineral lazurite, which gives it its blue colour. It may also contain some calcite (white), sodalite (blue), and pyrite (gold).
Signed: NR










