96th Auction
2017/11/18
Lot 287
H. Lichtwarck, Hamburg / Christian Friedrich Tiede, Berlin, Movement No. 12, 160 x 93 x 160 mm, circa 1875
An important, rare chronometer with 56h power reserve indicator, spring detent escapement and auxiliary compensation balance
Case: oak box. Dial: silvered. Movm.: brass movement, 65 mm, chain/fusee, bimetallic chronometer balance with 6 screws and 2 weights.
It is strange that there is no information on the maker or retailer H. Lichtwarck in Hamburg - if the name is mentioned in technical literature, it is always in form of the question "Who was this?" It is significant that the movement of this small chronometer was made by C. F. Tiede - who was one of the most important makers in the 19th century.
The design of the movement is identical to that of chronometer no. 345 by Tiede, which is shown on page 251 of "Marine- und Taschenchronometer"(marine and pocket chronometers) by Bertele; most remarkable, however, is the fact that both chronometers use the same rare auxiliary compensation balance similar to that developed by Frodsham around 1850. In the chronometer by Lichtwarck, this balance is a little larger, so that one of the screws of the movement pillars needed to be countersunk. Page 171ff of the current vol. 4 of J. Ermert’s series on precision pendulum clocks shows two other chronometers by Tiede (nos. 79 and 88) that are identical in construction, although with a large screw balance.
An interesting little side note: All these chronometers have German lettering, but the chronometer by Lichtwarck labels the power reserve indication with "Up" and "Down" - a hand shows how much time has passed since the timepiece was wound, as described in Tiede’s 1847 pricelist - "A 56 hour chronometer" for the price of 300 Reichsthaler.
As the case is not gimballed, it is unlikely that the chronometer was intended for onboard use. The condition of this timepiece is excellent.
Friedrich Tiede (1794-1877)
Tiede studied watchmaking in Wismar. He subsequently studied at Delolme in Braunschweig and later on at Gutkaes in Dresden. There he became close friends with Adolf Lange. Since the circumstances in his homeland did not favour his return, he established himself in Berlin, where he manufactured chronometers and excellent precision regulators. Even though he possessed letters of commendation from Alexander von Humbolt and several other great scholars, he remained modest and would constantly strive to help the people around him. He particularly supported Ferdinand Adolf Lange, taking frequent to Glashütte to see him and giving him valuable advice. In 1838 obtained a patent as the royal astronomical watchmaker at court.
An important, rare chronometer with 56h power reserve indicator, spring detent escapement and auxiliary compensation balance
Case: oak box. Dial: silvered. Movm.: brass movement, 65 mm, chain/fusee, bimetallic chronometer balance with 6 screws and 2 weights.
It is strange that there is no information on the maker or retailer H. Lichtwarck in Hamburg - if the name is mentioned in technical literature, it is always in form of the question "Who was this?" It is significant that the movement of this small chronometer was made by C. F. Tiede - who was one of the most important makers in the 19th century.
The design of the movement is identical to that of chronometer no. 345 by Tiede, which is shown on page 251 of "Marine- und Taschenchronometer"(marine and pocket chronometers) by Bertele; most remarkable, however, is the fact that both chronometers use the same rare auxiliary compensation balance similar to that developed by Frodsham around 1850. In the chronometer by Lichtwarck, this balance is a little larger, so that one of the screws of the movement pillars needed to be countersunk. Page 171ff of the current vol. 4 of J. Ermert’s series on precision pendulum clocks shows two other chronometers by Tiede (nos. 79 and 88) that are identical in construction, although with a large screw balance.
An interesting little side note: All these chronometers have German lettering, but the chronometer by Lichtwarck labels the power reserve indication with "Up" and "Down" - a hand shows how much time has passed since the timepiece was wound, as described in Tiede’s 1847 pricelist - "A 56 hour chronometer" for the price of 300 Reichsthaler.
As the case is not gimballed, it is unlikely that the chronometer was intended for onboard use. The condition of this timepiece is excellent.
Friedrich Tiede (1794-1877)
Tiede studied watchmaking in Wismar. He subsequently studied at Delolme in Braunschweig and later on at Gutkaes in Dresden. There he became close friends with Adolf Lange. Since the circumstances in his homeland did not favour his return, he established himself in Berlin, where he manufactured chronometers and excellent precision regulators. Even though he possessed letters of commendation from Alexander von Humbolt and several other great scholars, he remained modest and would constantly strive to help the people around him. He particularly supported Ferdinand Adolf Lange, taking frequent to Glashütte to see him and giving him valuable advice. In 1838 obtained a patent as the royal astronomical watchmaker at court.
Sold
estimated
3.000—8.000 €
Price realized
3.800 €