German silver open faced compteur militaire watch Circa 1830
- Kenmerk
- AS1674
- Diameter
- 58 mm
- Estimate
- € 2.250 - 4.500
- Price sold
- € 1.900
Silver pocket watch by Carl Kinzing
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An interesting and unusual German silver open faced compteur militaire watch, circa 1830. The watch features a gilded full plate movement with a three arm balance, fusee and chain, and a large decoratively engraved balance cock. The white enamel dial includes a subsidiary dial for time with Arabic numerals and an outer compteur militaire scale. It is signed Carl Kinzing aus Neuwied in Mainz. The watch is housed in a silver engine turned case and band, numbered 53DI(?)98, with a gilt cuvette also signed Carl Kinzing aus Neuwied in Mainz.
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Diameter: 57.5 mm
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Signed: Carl Kinzing Aus Neuwied In Mainz
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The movement is functioning, with the time display and compteur advancing. The plate has minor marks but is in good overall condition. The case shows light scratches consistent with its age and use, and there is some rubbing on the engine turning of the case back. The marks and numbers on the inside case back are clear and distinct. The dial has light pitting and some scratches, along with a faint hairline extending from the hour and minute ring at 3.
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Carl Kinzing is believed to be a member of the Kinzing family, known for their expertise in watch and clockmaking in Neuwied, Germany. Neuwied was a significant hub for clock and furniture production during the 18th century. One of the most renowned members of the family is Peter Kinzing (1745-1816), who, along with David Roentgen (1743-1807), supplied musical clocks to prominent families and royalty across Europe. In addition to regular timepieces, specialized watches with scales for measuring marching speeds were used by various infantry units. For instance, in France, the army used watches to gauge the marching speeds of the Consulat and 1st Empire infantry, with 75 paces per minute being the standard for parades. The watch in question is calibrated to ’76’, indicating that it was likely used by the Prussian Army, which employed 76 paces per minute as one of their standard marching speeds.
Signed: Carl Kinzing Aus Neuwied In Mainz






