German 14 Carat gold pocket watch with lever escapement Circa 1903

The only rifleman’s pocket watch known to us
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A rifleman’s pocket watch made to commemorate the rifle master of the “Gilde der Buchssen Schutzen zu Wirtzburg”,  Neumaier from 1883 – 1903, by  Glashütter Uhrenfabrik Union Dürrstein & Co. in Dresden, Germany, circa 1903. Fashioned from 14 Carat gold, this heavy pocket watch has a full hunter case which is adorned with solid gold relief inlays commemorating the Würzburg rifle master of 1883 – 1903. The stepped white enamel dial has red gold hands to enhance the readability of the timepiece. The movement is glazed and has a lever escapement, designed in the renowned Glashütte style, which ensures accuracy and reliability. The 3/4 plate adds structural integrity to the movement, while the fine adjustment feature allows for precise timekeeping.
Both the case and movement bear the distinguished Union hallmark of Dürrstein Dresden, serving as a testament to their authenticity and origin. The matching numbers further validate the integrity of this extraordinary timepiece, ensuring that it remains a valuable collector’s item for generations to come.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 166 g
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Signed: No name
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Glashütter Uhrenfabrik Union Dürrstein & Co. was a renowned watchmaking company that produced a variety of high quality watches during its existence from 1893 to 1917. Some of the most popular watches produced by the company included pocket watches, wristwatches, and chronometers.

One of its most notable products was the Glashütte Union Caliber 49, which was a pocket watch that featured a chronometer grade movement and was highly accurate. Another popular watch was the Glashütte Union Caliber 66, which was a wristwatch that featured a small seconds sub dial and a power reserve indicator.

One of the most significant impacts of Glashütter Uhrenfabrik Union Dürrstein & Co. on the watchmaking industry in Germany was its role in establishing the reputation of Glashütte as a hub for precision watchmaking. The company’s commitment to quality and precision helped to establish the town of Glashütte as a centre of excellence for watchmaking, and many other companies followed in its footsteps.

Additionally, Glashütter Uhrenfabrik Union Dürrstein & Co. was known for its technical innovations, including the development of new escapements and the use of new materials in watchmaking. These innovations helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in watchmaking and paved the way for future advancements in the industry.

The company Glashütter Uhrenfabrik Union Dürrstein & Co. ceased operations in 1917 due to the economic hardships caused by World War I. The war had a significant impact on the German economy, and many businesses struggled to stay afloat during this time. Additionally, the company’s founder and owner, Johannes Dürrstein, passed away in 1916, which may have also contributed to the company’s closure.