A RARE AND EARLY SINGLE-HANDED SELF-STRIKING SPINDLE POCKET WATCH

Description:

Martinus Hillius, Dresden, 2nd half 17th century
D. 6 cm
Openworked, filigree silver case. Silver dial with Roman numerals, day, date and moon phase display and blued iron hand. Fire-gilded, high spindle movement with ornamental openwork spindle cock, silver lock disc, self-striking on bottom bell, chain and fusee. Movement signed ‘Martinus Hillius Dresda’. Clock and movement in good condition, no guarantee of functionality. Total weight 292g. Slight signs of age.
Private Collection Bavaria
Martin Hillius (also spelled Hillig/Hyllius) from the Margraviate of Brandenburg probably came to Dresden around 1653. He was a member of Germany's first small clockmakers' guild, which officially came into force in Dresden in 1668. Hillius was court clockmaker, chamberlain and elder of the small clockmakers' guild. He died in Dresden in 1694.