German chronometer with pivoted detent escapement Circa 1889

Silver pocket chronometer by Gustav Ehrhardt
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An important German pocket chronometer with pivoted detent escapement, circa 1889. Made at the German Watchmaking School in Glashütte – with extract from the archives by the watch museum Glashütte.
Sterling silver case with Hallmark: Birmingham 1889. Signed enamel dial with Arabic numerals, auxiliary seconds, and gold Louis XV hands. 3/4 plate movement, blank movement and signed: Moritz Grossmann, gold screw compensation balance.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 168 g
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Signed: Gustav Ehrhardt, Birmingham
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Shortly after opening its doors, the German watchmaking school in Glashütte had gained such an excellent reputation that a significant number of foreign students applied for a place. One of them was Gustav Erhard, the son of William Ehrhardt (1831-1897), a maker of English deck watches in Birmingham. Only 11 years later Gustav Erhard created this wonderful precision timekeeper as his master’s piece. Upon his return to Birmingham, the Erhardtcompany became a pioneer in automated serial production of deck watches for the Royal Navy. This was one of the least known but nevertheless most interesting watchmaking dynasties of its time leading the way in the most advanced production methods and holder of numerous English patents.