German 14K rose gold open faced chronometer Circa 1815

Rose gold chronometer by Sigismund Rentzsch
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A remarkable English 14 carat rose gold open faced pocket chronometer, circa 1815. Full plate movement according to Thomas Earnshaw, chain and fusee, spring detent escapement, sugar tongs – temperature compensation. Gilt dial with Arabic hours, outer minute dots, an engine turned centre and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock. Engine turned case back and band.
Cuvette and movement signed.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Weight: 153 g
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Signed: SD Rentzsch No. 24 Queen Street Golden Square London
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Sigismund Rentzsch had a workshop at St. James Square and was appointed maker to the royal court. He was also one of the most renowned London Clockmakers’ Company members. In 1813 he obtained a patent for a much admired automatic chronometer (i.e. a keyless watch). Rentzsch was born in 1776 near Strehla on the river Elbe in Germany. He moved to England between 1804 and 1811, where he became an English citizen on May 18th, 1811. Rentzsch trained watchmakers such as Giles Coates, who later worked for Benjamin Louis Vulliamy. Pierre Frédéric Ingold also worked for Rentzsch. He died in 1843.