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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Observation chronometer

Julius Assmann Glashütte observation chronometer

Partially verified

This Julius Assmann Glashütte pocket watch is an observation chronometer designated as the “Ingenieur” model, dating to approximately 1915. It is housed in a silver case with a diameter of approximately 57 mm and weighs approximately 120 g. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. Internally, it is powered by an Assmann precision lever movement, identified as Anker chronometer No. 21994, which includes a moustache lever and a fine adjustment mechanism. The auction description notes the presence of original accompanying documentation, including matching numbered original papers and an original invoice from 1915, as well as an original presentation box. Assmann produced these chronometers for both civilian and military applications, with the "Ingenieur" designation intended for use in technical and scientific environments.

Front view of the Julius Assmann Glashütte observation chronometer showing the enamel dial and subsidiary seconds.
Front view of the Julius Assmann Glashütte observation chronometer showing the enamel dial and subsidiary seconds. — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Observation chronometer
Maker / attribution
Julius Assmann
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4009
Source-reported date
ca. 1915
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
22014

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

Case and Dial

The pocket watch is encased in silver and measures approximately 57 mm in diameter. The total weight of the object is stated as approximately 120 g. The exterior presents with an original silver case, which is recorded with the number 22014.

The dial is constructed of white enamel and displays Arabic hour markers. It is equipped with steel hands and includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The dial is signed "J. Assmann Glashütte i/Sachsen".

Evidence for this section
  • “original silver case”
  • “case number 22014”
  • “Ca. Ø 57 mm”
  • “perfectly preserved enamel dial”

Movement and Construction

The movement is an Assmann precision lever caliber, identified by the maker as an "Anker chronometer" with movement number 21994. The construction incorporates a moustache lever escapement and a fine adjustment mechanism to ensure precision timekeeping.

The movement is finished with gilded plates. The auction description confirms the watch is in working order and retains its original condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Assmann precision lever movement with moustache lever and fine adjustment”
  • “Anker chronometer No. 21994”
  • “in working order”

Provenance and Documentation

The chronometer is accompanied by its original box, labeled "Ingenieur." The provenance is further supported by the presence of original papers and an invoice dating to 1915, all of which bear matching serial numbers to the case.

These chronometers were marketed for civilian and industrial use under the "Ingenieur" designation, contrasting with the military "Marine" versions produced by the same manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “comes with original box “Ingenieur”, matching numbered original papers and matching numbered original invoice from 1915”
  • “Assmann built these observation chronometers in the same version for military purposes with the designation ‘Marine’ as well as for civilian purposes with the designation “Ingenieur””

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber designation for the Anker chronometer No. 21994?
  • Are there archival records confirming the original 1915 sale of this specific serial number to an industrial or scientific entity?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Julius Assmann Glashütte observation chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJulius Assmann Glashütte“Julius Assmann Glashütte observation chronometer”
Dateca. 1915“ca. 1915”
Case materialSilver“original silver case”
Case number22014“case number 22014”
Movement number21994“Anker chronometer No. 21994”
Case diameter57 mm“Ca. Ø 57 mm”
Movement featuresMoustache lever and fine adjustment“Assmann precision lever movement with moustache lever and fine adjustment”
Included itemsOriginal box, papers, and invoice“comes with original box “Ingenieur”, matching numbered original papers and matching numbered original invoice from 1915”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with Arabic numerals
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Gilded movement plates
  • Moustache lever escapement visible

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the internal movement beyond stated working order
  • Verification of case/movement serial number matching

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch: Julius Assmann Glashütte observation chronometer “Ingenieur” with original box, ca. 1915

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 0c2d319223

Terms in this record

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