100th Auction
2019/11/15
Lot 65
An impressive set of two Glashütte graduate's pieces with original diplomas
Deutsche Uhrmacherschule Glashütte i/SA / Georg Fabian, Czarnikau (Posen), Movement No. 2522, 56 mm, circa 1913
A remarkable table chronometer with pivoted detent escapement - manufactured in quality 1A - with original mahogany box
Case: brass, signed. Dial: enamel. Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, signed, compensation balance with 2 gold weights and 6 adjusting screws.
Deutsche Uhrmacherschule Glashütte i/SA / Georg Fabian, Czarnikau (Posen), Movement No. 2148, Case No. 2148, 53 mm, circa 1911
A gold Glashuette hunting case pocket watch - manufactured in quality 1A
Case: 14k pink gold, monogrammed, case maker "F. Ehehalt, Stuttgart". Dial: enamel. Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, signed, gold screw compensation balance.
We are looking at two graduation pieces of outstanding technical and beautiful design in superior condition – they acquaint us with one of the most excellent graduates of the watch- and clockmaking schoon in Glashütte, as well as with the tragic circumstances of his life that are revealed in the remaining documents.
Georg Fabian was born on March 20, 1894 in Czarnikau in what is today Poznan in Poland; his father was the watch- and clockmaker Carl Fabian. Fabian trained in Glashütte from September 1909 to September 1911. For this period at the school, his leaving certificate lists an impressive list of pieces: the model of a movement with lever escapement, a cylinder watch, a precision pendulum clock, an electrically operated motion work, a galvanoscope, a testing bridge – and this hunting case watch no. 2148 in a gold case, which is, for financial reasons, unusual for a school piece. However, the masterful execution of this timepiece certainly justifies the extravagance.
During a second stay at the school in July and August of 1913, Fabian produced another example of his outstanding skills – the pocket chronometer no. 2522 - "completely independently and on his own", as the renowned Prof. Ludwig Strasser attested. In October Fabian received an "outstanding" grade in the official exam completing his apprenticeship.
In May the same year, Fabian became a member of the Saxonia fraternity. From their documents we learn some interesting facts on his career: In the autumn of 1914 he volunteered for the war and presumably very soon after received a heavy injury to his right arm, which meant that he would never be able to use his right hand again. Nevertheless he made every effort to work in his chosen profession and was able to pass the exams for his master craftsman’s certificate with "good to very good"; this was honoured with a mention in the magazine Uhrmacher-Woche (watchmakers’ weekly): "This result is particularly worth mentioning because Mr. Fabian returned from the war with a 70% disability and can only work with his left hand. The efforts Mr. Fabian went through to make use of the knowledge he acquired before the war is to be admired and commended by all."
Deutsche Uhrmacherschule Glashütte i/SA / Georg Fabian, Czarnikau (Posen), Movement No. 2522, 56 mm, circa 1913
A remarkable table chronometer with pivoted detent escapement - manufactured in quality 1A - with original mahogany box
Case: brass, signed. Dial: enamel. Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, signed, compensation balance with 2 gold weights and 6 adjusting screws.
Deutsche Uhrmacherschule Glashütte i/SA / Georg Fabian, Czarnikau (Posen), Movement No. 2148, Case No. 2148, 53 mm, circa 1911
A gold Glashuette hunting case pocket watch - manufactured in quality 1A
Case: 14k pink gold, monogrammed, case maker "F. Ehehalt, Stuttgart". Dial: enamel. Movm.: 3/4 plate movement, signed, gold screw compensation balance.
We are looking at two graduation pieces of outstanding technical and beautiful design in superior condition – they acquaint us with one of the most excellent graduates of the watch- and clockmaking schoon in Glashütte, as well as with the tragic circumstances of his life that are revealed in the remaining documents.
Georg Fabian was born on March 20, 1894 in Czarnikau in what is today Poznan in Poland; his father was the watch- and clockmaker Carl Fabian. Fabian trained in Glashütte from September 1909 to September 1911. For this period at the school, his leaving certificate lists an impressive list of pieces: the model of a movement with lever escapement, a cylinder watch, a precision pendulum clock, an electrically operated motion work, a galvanoscope, a testing bridge – and this hunting case watch no. 2148 in a gold case, which is, for financial reasons, unusual for a school piece. However, the masterful execution of this timepiece certainly justifies the extravagance.
During a second stay at the school in July and August of 1913, Fabian produced another example of his outstanding skills – the pocket chronometer no. 2522 - "completely independently and on his own", as the renowned Prof. Ludwig Strasser attested. In October Fabian received an "outstanding" grade in the official exam completing his apprenticeship.
In May the same year, Fabian became a member of the Saxonia fraternity. From their documents we learn some interesting facts on his career: In the autumn of 1914 he volunteered for the war and presumably very soon after received a heavy injury to his right arm, which meant that he would never be able to use his right hand again. Nevertheless he made every effort to work in his chosen profession and was able to pass the exams for his master craftsman’s certificate with "good to very good"; this was honoured with a mention in the magazine Uhrmacher-Woche (watchmakers’ weekly): "This result is particularly worth mentioning because Mr. Fabian returned from the war with a 70% disability and can only work with his left hand. The efforts Mr. Fabian went through to make use of the knowledge he acquired before the war is to be admired and commended by all."
Sold
estimated
35.000—45.000 €
Price realized
30.000 €