The French Revolution in 1789 provoked dramatic changes in European lifestyles. The „mechanical“ content of watches began to overshadow fancy cases and sumptuous artistry. In Saxony as well, watches turned gradually into instruments for the precise measurement of time. Period watchmakers such as Köhler and Seyffert devoted their careers to developing technically superior, highly sophisticated pendulum clocks, chronometers, watches and scientific measuring devices. The precise movements, presented in cases with-out frills, perfectly reflected the new values: a type of modesty which still excites collectors and admirers of precision watches who desire elegance. „Saxonia” – the first German railway connecting Dresden and Leipzig marked a new phase of mobility for the country. PORTAB LE WATC HES to organize time for man’s advantage became inseparable companions for an increasing number of people. Only a few were in the privileged position to afford one of the rare and prestigious pocket watches manufactured by a traditional watchmaker from Dresden. Some of these rarities originated from Friedrich Gutkaes, the court watchmaker. Ferdinand Adolph Lange, as his young apprentice, learned the art of watchmaking prior to the founding of the watchmaking industry in Glashütte. Precision pendulum clock from Strasser & Rohde in Glashütte/Dresden ca. 1890 pocket watch in a case of tortoise-shell from Christ Ehrgott Weise – Dresden ca. 1800 Time – a historic perspective 10
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