German silver “Engineer” observation chronometer Circa 1915

Observation chronometer in original
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An observation chronometer “Engineer” in original box with matching original papers and original invoice, made by Julius Assmann in Glashütte, Germany, circa 1915. This watch features a numbered plain silver case with the company’s logo stamped on the inside on the back lid. The enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Arabic hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and blued steel hands with stylised leaf (feuille) or syringe shapes. The numbered movement is equipped with an Assmann precision lever escapement with moustache lever and a fine adjustment.
The original papers, invoice and case bear matching numbers and the box, dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 120 g
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Signed: J. Assmann Glashütte I/Sachsen
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Assmann manufactured these observation chronometers, like the one presented here, in the same design for both military purposes, designated “Marine,” and civilian purposes, designated “Engineer.” These precision timepieces were sought after tools for accurate timekeeping in scientific and technical processes at numerous research institutes and industrial companies. For example, the Royal Astrophysical Observatory and the Royal Geodetic Institute in Potsdam owned several of these Assmann B Uhr watches.