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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronometer wristwatch

Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe GUB Chronometer Q1 Cal. 28 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This gentleman's Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe wristwatch, identified in auction records as a Chronometer Q1 dating to circa 1953, features a 32 mm 14k gold case with a push back. The silvered dial displays raised Arabic numerals at the quarters, faceted dart markers, alpha hour and minute hands, and a central seconds hand. The source catalog reports movement number 126549 and case number 100929, housing calibre 28 with a frosted, silvered 3/4 plate and monometallic screw balance. Auction commentary notes that 1,437 examples of this caliber were produced in gold between 1952 and 1956.

Front three-quarter view of the Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe GUB gold wristwatch showing the dial and strap
Front three-quarter view of the Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe GUB gold wristwatch showing the dial and strap — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronometer wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe GUB
Reference
Cal. 28
Catalogue / lot identifier
25
Source-reported date
circa 1953
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
Movement No. 126549, Case No. 100929

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial Design and Visible Markings

The wristwatch displays a silvered dial configured with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the quarter positions (12, 3, 6, and 9) alternating with faceted dart indexes. Time indication is handled by gold-tone alpha hour and minute hands accompanied by a contrasting red-finished central seconds hand.

Dial text comprises two distinct elements: a prominent Q1 quality mark positioned directly beneath the 12 o'clock numeral, and the manufacturer signature 'GUB / GLASHÜTTE/SA' placed above the 6 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 alternating with faceted dart indexes.”
  • “Prominent Q1 quality mark beneath the 12 o'clock numeral and 'GUB / GLASHÜTTE/SA' insignia above 6 o'clock.”
  • “Red-finished central seconds hand paired with gold-tone alpha hour and minute hands.”

Case Construction and Presentation

According to the auction catalogue, the watch features a 14k gold case measuring 32 mm in diameter with a push back closure. Visual inspection shows a yellow-gold-tone metal case mounted on a brown textured leather strap.

The cataloguer dates the piece to circa 1953 and records the case number as 100929. The auction description notes the case condition as 'very good' at the time of sale.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 14k gold, push back.”
  • “Cal. 28, 32 mm, circa 1953”
  • “Yellow gold case mounted on a brown textured leather strap.”
  • “Case No. 100929”
  • “Cond.: Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.”

Reported Movement and Historical Context

The internal mechanism is reported in the catalogue as Calibre 28, movement number 126549. It is described as a frosted, silvered 3/4 plate movement fitted with a monometallic screw balance, noted at the time of auction as 'capable of running, cleaning recommended'.

Auction commentary provides historical context, stating that between 1952 and 1956 only 1,437 pieces of this caliber were produced in gold. The notes cite Kurt Herkner's 'Glashütte und seine Uhren' (vol. II, Dormagen 1978) regarding postwar development of calibers 28 and 28.1 prior to and following the 1948 expropriation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement No. 126549, Case No. 100929, Cal. 28, 32 mm, circa 1953”
  • “Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, frosted, silvered, monometallic screw balance.”
  • “Between 1952 and 1956 only 1437 pieces of this caliber were produced in gold.”
  • “Lit.: "Glashütte und seine Uhren" by Kurt Herkner, vol. II, Dormagen 1978.”
  • “Cond.: Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and serial engravings are stamped inside case back No. 100929 to verify the 14k gold standard and casemaker?
  • Does movement No. 126549 carry caliber 28 markings, chronometer-grade regulator adjustments, or specific bridge finishings distinct from caliber 28.1?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe GUB Chronometer Q1 Cal. 28 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material14k gold“Case: 14k gold, push back.”
Case Diameter32 mm“Cal. 28, 32 mm, circa 1953”
Movement CalibreCal. 28“Cal. 28”
Movement Number126549“Movement No. 126549”
Case Number100929“Case No. 100929”
Movement Specification3/4 plate movement, frosted, silvered, monometallic screw balance“Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, frosted, silvered, monometallic screw balance.”
Auction Condition AssessmentCase: very good; Dial: very good; Movement: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended“Cond.: Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.”
Literature ReferenceKurt Herkner, 'Glashütte und seine Uhren', vol. II, Dormagen 1978“Lit.: "Glashütte und seine Uhren" by Kurt Herkner, vol. II, Dormagen 1978.”
Auction Catalog Title DesignationA gentleman's rare Glashuette wristwatch - Chronometer Q1“A gentleman's rare Glashuette wiristwatch - Chronometer Q1”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 alternating with faceted dart indexes.
  • Prominent Q1 quality mark beneath the 12 o'clock numeral and 'GUB / GLASHÜTTE/SA' insignia above 6 o'clock.
  • Red-finished central seconds hand paired with gold-tone alpha hour and minute hands.
  • Yellow gold case mounted on a brown textured leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and interior case markings are not depicted in the provided photograph; details rely on auction house descriptions.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe GUB, Glashütte SA, Movement No. 126549, Case No. 100929, Cal. 28, 32 mm, circa 1953

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f0698b4a52

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Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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