German silver verge pocket watch with alarm Circa 1675

Silver verge open faced pocket watch
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An important Augsburg verge pocket watch with alarm, circa 1675.
A silver case with pierced edges, brass, firegilt, florally ormolu engraved dial with silver chapter ring, full plate movement, chain/fusee, barrel for striking train, one hammer / one bell, verge escapement, three arm brass balance.

This timepiece is the third pendant watch of this exceptional Augsburg maker that has emerged. We do not have many facts on him but his work is outstanding. All the cases have been created with superb craftsmanship and the highly sophisticated movements are the work of a skilled master. The ornate letters with which the signature and the place of manufacture have been engraved cover most of the plate and attest to the self confidence of this master  which was undoubtedly justified!
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Diameter: 45 mm
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Weight: 120 g
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Signed: Michael Hoffrichter   Augsburg
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Michael Hoffrichter, Augsburg
Around 1647 Hofrichter was born in Oberpeterswalde, Schlesion.
He was established as Master in 1670 and died around 1702.
Augusta Vindelicorum (Augusta Vindelicum, actually) is the old Roman and New Latin name of Augsburg, which around 1600 was the stronghold of the German watchmaking industry.