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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Observation pocket watch

Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB SA) Silber-Beobachtungsuhr

Partially verified

This silver observation pocket watch is attributed by the source to Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB SA), dated to circa 1940 in Germany, and described as housing a Lange Calibre 48 movement with an 'Auf- und Ab' power reserve mechanism. The dial features the printed 'GUB GLASHÜTTE/SA' insignia below 12 o'clock, Arabic numeral hour markers, and an outer railway minute track. An auxiliary power reserve dial marked 'AB' and 'AUF' is situated at approximately 9 o'clock, opposite a subsidiary seconds register at 3 o'clock, accompanied by blued steel hands and an arched bow.

Dial view of the Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe observation pocket watch with power reserve and seconds subdials
Dial view of the Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe observation pocket watch with power reserve and seconds subdials — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Pocket watch · Observation pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
53817593
Source-reported date
circa 1940
Country
Germany

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

Visual Dial and Case Configuration

The pocket watch presents a light-coloured dial formatted with Arabic numeral hour markings and an outer minute track. Below the 12 o'clock position, it bears the printed designation 'GUB GLASHÜTTE/SA'. A dual-register horizontal arrangement consists of a power reserve indicator inscribed with 'AB' and 'AUF' positioned at 9 o'clock, paired with a subsidiary continuous seconds dial at 3 o'clock.

Central hour and minute indicators, along with both subsidiary hands, are formed in blued steel. The casing includes a fluted winding crown fitted with an arched suspension bow, positioned alongside a manual setting pusher located near the 1 o'clock perimeter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light-colored dial marked 'GUB GLASHÜTTE/SA' beneath 12 o'clock.”
  • “Dual subdials: a power reserve register indicating 'AB' and 'AUF' at 9 o'clock and a continuous seconds dial at 3 o'clock.”
  • “Arabic numeral hour markings within an outer minute track.”
  • “Blued steel central hands and subdial indicator hands.”
  • “Fluted winding crown with an arched suspension bow and setting pusher located near 1 o'clock.”

Movement and Material Claims

The listing categorises this piece as a 'Silber Beobachtungsuhr mit Auf- und Ab-Werk', indicating a silver observation pocket watch equipped with an up/down power reserve display. The movement is reported in the lot title as 'Werk Lange Kaliber 48'.

Because neither the internal movement nor the inside case markings are depicted in the record image, these calibre and material descriptions remain source-reported details that are not directly confirmed by visible physical evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silber Beobachtungsuhr mit Auf- und Ab-Werk”
  • “Werk Lange Kaliber 48”

Attribution and Chronological Discrepancies

The auction entry records the maker attribution as 'Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe - GUB SA' with a stated era and origin of 'Deutschland um 1940'. The record notes that the Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB) conglomerate was formally established in 1951, presenting an apparent chronological conflict with the circa 1940 dating.

Movement serial numbers, internal hallmarks, and production engravings are not recorded in this source, leaving unresolved whether the object represents post-war assembly by GUB using Lange components or another production context.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe - GUB SA”
  • “Deutschland um 1940”

Open research questions

  • What movement serial numbers and stamps are present on the calibre plates to verify the reported Lange Kaliber 48?
  • Are silver purity hallmarks present inside the caseback, and what case maker marks do they show?
  • What explains the chronological divergence between the source date of circa 1940 and the GUB dial branding?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB SA) Silber-Beobachtungsuhr
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number53817593“No. 53817593”
Maker AttributionGlashütter Uhrenbetriebe - GUB SA“Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe - GUB SA”
Model / TypeSilber Beobachtungsuhr mit Auf- und Ab-Werk“Silber Beobachtungsuhr mit Auf- und Ab-Werk”
Movement CalibreWerk Lange Kaliber 48“Werk Lange Kaliber 48”
Reported Origin and DateDeutschland um 1940“Deutschland um 1940”
Target DemographicMen“Men”

Visible details

  • Light-colored dial marked 'GUB GLASHÜTTE/SA' beneath 12 o'clock.
  • Dual subdials: a power reserve register indicating 'AB' and 'AUF' at 9 o'clock and a continuous seconds dial at 3 o'clock.
  • Arabic numeral hour markings within an outer minute track.
  • Blued steel central hands and subdial indicator hands.
  • Fluted winding crown with an arched suspension bow and setting pusher located near 1 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case markings are not depicted in the provided photograph; calibre identification and metal fineness rely on source claims.
  • The dating to circa 1940 is reported by the auction source; Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB) was formally established as a conglomerate in 1951, although Lange Calibre 48 observation watches were produced from the 1940s onwards.

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

Consulted source

Watches for Sale in Online Auctions - Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 30aa0a5b73

Terms in this record

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