THE WATCHMAKER JOHANN HEINRICH MOSER Johann Heinrich Moser was born and grew up in Schaffhausen in the traditions and experience of a watch making dynasty that had become established over the generations. Son and grandson of watchmakers he learned the traditional watchmaker’s craft from his father, Erhard Moser and from his grandfather Johannes Moser. In 1824, he left Schaffhouse to set up in Locle where he perfected his knowledge in the presence of the greatest watchmakers of the time. Two years later, he tried to return and set up business in his home town, but the Municipal Council rejected his request to be given the honorary post of watchmaker to the town in favour of someone else. Heinrich Moser & Co. came into being in 1828 and in 1829, Johann Heinrich Moser founded his watch making business in Locle to manufacture pocket watches. As an ambitious and visionary watchmaker, Johann Heinrich Moser decided to set up in business in Russia. Tsarist Russia at the time was regarded as an excellent labour and sales market and as a sound trading base for watches. After several employed positions as a watchmaker, he founded his own company in St. Petersburg at the end of 1828. This marked the hour of inception of the greatly successful brand, Hy Moser & Cie. Alongside precision watches and watches designed as pieces of jewelers, Johann Heinrich Moser also offered a range of simple watches. As he built up his trading network, he came to realize that a successful wholesaler should also be a manufacturer. Johann Heinrich Moser accordingly established a watch factory in Le Locle in 1829, which produced watches exclusively for his businesses. This allowed him to guarantee the high quality of his products. Eventually, he was made an honorary citizen of Le Locle in acknowledgement of his services to the town in the Swiss Jura. Johann Heinrich Moser’s constant quest for quality was crowned by success. In 1831, he opened a subsidiary in Moscow, and became supplier to the Tsars, the Royal Families, the Imperial Court and the Russian Army. Within just a few years, he was selling watches to Persia, China, Japan and Turkestan. Johann Heinrich Moser also developed sales of his watches in Siberia and Kamchatka as well as New York and Paris, where his brother George Moser was working as a watchmaker. Only 15 years after starting his company, Johann Heinrich Moser was the undisputed market leader in the Russian watch trade. In 1845, the Johann Heinrich Moser companies in Russia employed around fifty people. Having become a prosperous watchmaker, Johann Heinrich Moser decided to return and settle definitively in his home town of Schaffhouse at the end of 1848 where he had the Charlottenfels castle built. He became one of the key figures in the town, participating actively in its development. COMPANY AND BRAND NAME “HY MOSER & Co†The 1st internationally active company founded by Johann Heinrich Moser was the St. Petersburg trading company, Hy Moser & Co. From this name, he developed the company signature in Latin and in Cyrillic script, which was almost always accompanied by a medallion. Until about 1918, these symbols were the standard signature on all watches supplied by Heinrich Moser’s watch company. In 1829, Johann Heinrich Moser opened a watch factory in Locle, which also bore the name “Hy Moser & Co.â€. The Russian operation had to be abandoned in 1917 in the aftermath of the October Revolution. In about 1920, Moscow founded the “Central watch repair workshop†on the ashes of the Moser watchmaking factories of old Tzarist Russia. For the seventy-year period of the “Soviet Union†Henry Moser watches would remain synonymous with work of a superior quality for the leaders of the eastern bloc. As proof of this, in 1966, the USSR presented one of its high-ranking military staff a Moser pocket watch in 18-carat gold, dating from before 1917 (this collector’s piece has now been bought back by Moser Schaffhausen AG). The name of Henry Moser also died out in this branch of the family in 1923 with the death of Heinrich Moser’s only son, who had no male offspring. In 2002, Dr. Jürgen Lange and the great-grandson of Johann Heinrich Moser, Roger Nicholas Balsiger, jointly with private investors, founded the watch company Moser Schaffhausen AG. Dr. Lange also registered the original brand H. Moser & Cie again internationally.It was a time of renaissance for the Moser Schaffhausen AG and the reintegration of the Henry Moser lineage. Watches of “Henry Moser” were so popular and demanded that there were their fakes. Therefore, in trading price-lists of these firms, among the list of addresses of shops, types of watches and the prices for them, there were so-called “CAUTIONS”. For example, in the Trading price-list of factory of Moser for March, 1906 it is written, that ” for elimination of cases of abusing by some dealers by the name of our firm we consider necessary to recommend wishing to get watches of our factory to pay special attention on that – whether it is placed on offered watches per brands available on them and inscriptions in French before a surname “MOSER & Ce” letters “Hy” as only with such brands and inscriptions watches are really products sew factories”. These cautions are useful and to modern collectors of watches.Today, Roger Nicholas Balsiger, great grandson of Johann Heinrich Moser, heads the company’s administrative council as its honorary president. In the autumn of 2005, for the 200th anniversary of its founder, the company reappeared on the international watchmaking scene. TIME LINE 1730 – Johannes Moser, grandfather of Johann Heinrich Moser, was born in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. After an apprenticeship as a clockmaker, he assumes the honorary position of town watchmaker. He later becomes a magistrate in the local court. 1760 – Erhard Moser, father of Johann Heinrich Moser, was born in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. He succeeds his father in the position of town clockmaker, and he is a member of the Cantonal Council and Town Commissioner. 1805 – Heinrich Moser was born on 12 December. He learns the traditional watchmaker’s craft from his father between 1820 and 1824. 1824 – Johann Heinrich Moser continues his training in Le Locle, Switzerland in the master watchmakers’ workshops in Le Locle. He rapidly gains respect as a skilled watchmaker, and he starts a small business to supply spare parts. After about eighteen months, Johann Heinrich Moser receives offers of work from Italy and Paris. 1826 – Johann Heinrich Moser works on his own account for the first time by building clocks into cases and pieces of furniture. 1827 – The prospects of good business draw Johann Heinrich Moser to St. Petersburg. After an adventurous journey, he starts work as a watchmaker in the local workshops. 1828 – Johann Heinrich Moser opens the trading company H. Moser & Co. in St. Petersburg, Russia. His watches are characterized by their high quality. Not a single watch is allowed to pass over the shop counter until it has been inspected personally by him or by one of his representatives. The business is very successful. 1829 – In order to maintain this claim to superior quality, Moser establishes a watch factory in Switzerland, Le Locle to produce watches exclusively for his businesses. 1848 – Johann Heinrich Moser returns to Switzerland in Schaffhausen as a prosperous merchant and watch manufacturer. He sees his new challenge as the transformation of the quiet town of Schaffhausen into a lively and attractive industrial location. At the same time, he builds the magnificent Charlottenfels country manor house for his family. 1851 – Johann Heinrich Moser completes the construction of a canal on the Rhine, which supplies the water to drive a turbine. 1853 – In a joint venture with other Schaffhausen personalities, Heinrich Moser establishes Schweizerische Waggonfabrik bei Schaffhausen (Swiss Wagonworks at Schaffhausen) and Schweizerische Industriegesellschaft (SIG) Neuhausen (Swiss Industrial Company Neuhausen). Heinrich Moser is a co-founder of the Schaffhausen-Winterthur railway line. Moser opens a workshop for the manufacture of watch cases in Schaffhausen. 1860 – Johann Heinrich Moser becomes a customer of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Over time, he sources up to 64 different calibres, including 24 complications. 1863 – Johann Heinrich Moser embarks on the construction of the largest Swiss dam on the Rhine, to supply neighbouring industrial companies with inexpensive energy via a power transmission system. This hydroelectric power station marks the start of the industrial age in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. 1868 – Johann Heinrich Moser supports Ariosto Jones in the foundation of the International Watch Company (IWC), by providing premises and energy to drive the machines. 1874 – Johann Heinrich Moser dies on 23 October. His will names his second wife, Fanny Moser, as the heiress of all his business interests. 1877 – Fanny Moser sells the entire Russian trading operation as well as the watch factory in Le Locle to the respective general managers. The contracts of sale stipulate that all successor companies must continue to operate in perpetuity under the company names “H. Moser & Cie†or “Heinrich Moser & Co.â€. 1917 – The Russian October Revolution completely eradicates the watch market in the country that is dominated by the Swiss watchmakers. The last of the Swiss Directors of the Heinrich Moser company return to Switzerland totally expropriated in early 1918. The business in Le Locle attempts to compensate for the loss of the Russian markets through increased exports to other countries. 1920 – The State-owned “Central Watch Repair Workshop†in Russia, Moscow is formed from the remains of the Heinrich Moser watch businesses. 1953 – Wristwatch production in Le Locle, Switzerland is expanded, and the proportion of pocket watches produced decreases steadily. Some of the watches also bear the name “Henry Moserâ€, in spite of this being in breach of the 1877 agreements. 1973 – H. Moser & Co. is mentioned as a manufacturer of precision lever escapement watches and special watches, predominantly in 18-carat gold and in cases set with precious stones. The quartz watch crisis that is widespread in the Switzerland watch industry also affects the business in Le Locle. 1979 – The watch factory in Le Locle, Switzerland becomes part of the Dixi Mechanique Group and trades as “Hy Moser & Cie.â€. 2002 – The original brand of the founder, H. Moser & Cie, is once more registered internationally by Dr. Jürgen Lange. The Moser Schaffhausen AG watch company is launched jointly with representatives of Heinrich Moser’s family as a successor company. The great-grandson of Johann Heinrich Moser, Roger Nicholas Balsiger, is today Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors. 2005 – To mark the bicentenary of Johann Heinrich Moser’s birth, the successor company Moser Schaffhausen AG, under the H. Moser & Cie brand, is once again launching a range of watches that are faithful to the legacy of the founding father on the international watch arena. —————————————————————————————————–
LUFTWAFFE HISTORY
The German Luftwaffe, or air force, was formed in May of 1935. It was formed after the passing of the “Law for the Reconstruction of the National Defense Forces”. This law brought back into existence a free standing German army, navy and air force, something that had been essentially banned after the end of World War I. With the end of World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, the Weimar Republic – the successor to Imperial Germany – was allowed only a small defensive military force known as the Reichswehr. The Reichswehr’s size and composition was strictly controlled by the Allies in the hope that by restricting its constitution they could prevent future German military aggression. The Reichswehr consisted of 100,000 men divided between a small standing army, the Reichsheer, and a small defensive navy, the Reichsmarine. There was no provision for an air force of any sort. In 1933 the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) came to power and the infamous Third Reich was born. Two years later in 1935 the Treaty of Versailles was renounced and the Reichswehr became the Wehrmacht. The newly formed Wehrmacht would still consist of an army and a navy – the renamed Heer and Kriegsmarine, but a new air force was born as well – the Luftwaffe.Although officially announced in 1935, the Luftwaffe had existed in one form or another practically since the day the treaty banning it had been signed. Initially there were Freikorps air units, then later glider and sail plane formations tasked with finding ways around the rigid restrictions of Versailles, a secret training base in the Soviet Union, and various cover organizations for the initial forming of the new German air force. The Luftwaffe consisted of air units that made up the majority of the German air force, as well as Fallschrimjäger units, Luftwaffe Field Divisions, the elite Herman Göring ground formations, thousands of smaller anti-aircraft, engineer, communications and security units, and a fair number of Luftwaffe naval vessels and formations as well. Between 1939 and 1945 over 3.4 million served in the Luftwaffe. Over 165,000 were killed, over 155,000 went missing and over 192,000 were wounded. Of the 7361 men awarded the initial grade of the highest German combat honor of WW2, the Knights Cross, 1785 were from the Luftwaffe making up 24% of the total awarded. Initially the Luftwaffe ruled the skies but thereafter fought an increasingly futile war of attrition which when combined with vital mistakes in aircraft production and utilization, was its death knoll. In the face of this the Luftwaffe produced the most successful air aces of all time. As well, the feats of the Fallschirmjäger in the first airborne operations in history are as heroic as they are tragic. German paratroops suffered appalling losses on Crete and essentially never saw large scale airborne operations again. Some Luftwaffe ground units fought well during WW2, such as certain Luftwaffe field divisions and the elite Hermann Göring formations, while other units simply served. Ultimately the structure of the Luftwaffe was a grand reflection of its commander, Hermann Göring. He strove more so than any other branch to create a personal army with responsibilities as far reaching as possible. It was partly due to this that the Wehrmacht was ultimately defeated. The strain on resources and man power such political maneuvering had was far reaching. The Luftwaffe was officially disbanded in August of 1946 by the Allied Control Commission.
Short description of watch
I bring to your attention to this rare vintage Swiss IWC “International Watch Company†SCHAFFHAUSEN collectables, mechanical men’s BIG wrist watch Henry Moser & Cie LACO AVIATOR service wristwatches of the German Army Luftwaffe Officer’s WWII. This vintage watch is originally very rare and collectable, therefore remains the preference of the Officers Luftwaffe WWII. This watch from pocket was altered in wrist watch. The watch has steel case which signed Henry Moser & Cie. This beautiful wristwatch has the original gold plated movement with brand stamp “HM&Coâ€. The dial is original but only professionally repainted and beautifully restored. On the dial, hours markers are fluorescent (luminous in dark). On face side, dome glass is plastic. To the watch a watchband is added in a gift. The watch has been restored, checked and calibrated by a master watchmaker and is in good running condition. This unique watch was kept till our time in good condition. Any defects not mentioned but visible in the pictures will be considered as described. Photos are of the actual watch. Getting such thing you do good capital investment. Every year the price for them will increase only! This watch is a stylish acquisition for collectors, 100% satisfaction, and good present or for everyday use!
Dear Buyers, you need to understand; Antique and vintage watches – are very delicate and I always pack them in a good packing for high degree preventing of damage. High altitude flights, jolting, atmospheric pressure, extreme temperature changes, frequent loading and frequent carrying in delivery time to You; can be hard on watch. This can cause the oil viscosity to decrease (gumming), the watch-hands can dropped down and prevent the ticking of watch (the balance can’t f freely etc.). For this reason I can’t guarantee a perfect working of watch. It may need to be oiled when it arrive – regardless of its recent servicing. Although this is only a very slight possibility it can occasionally happen. Please bear in mind that you are buying used watch – which already more than 65 years old and it will require service, cleaning, lubrication and calibration etc.
Technical information:
* Diameter of the case with crown: 58.5 mm
* Diameter of the case: 53 mm
* Diameter of the dial: 44 mm
* Thickness: 16.5 mm
* Band size: 22 mm
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Recommendations for the owner of antiquarian watches:
All Antique and vintage watches are mechanical. Many repairs will not be cheap, as most likely they will require replacement of non-standard parts (unlike most late model watches).
– Antique and vintage watches should not be beaten or dropped – because repairs may be expensive.
– Antique and vintage watches are generally NOT waterproof. This is because waterproofing was not in general production until the middle of the 20th century for most watches. Therefore you should protect your antique watch from exposure to moisture.
– If your watch becomes wet it should be dried off quickly. Carefully open all covers and use a hair drier to blow dry the movement, dial, covers, crown. This will reduce the amount of rust.
– If your watch becomes wet with any kind of salt water you should immediately immerse or spray your watch with fresh (no-salt) water to remove all the salt from the works before drying the watch completely. Any salt left in the watch will combine with moisture in the air to rust metal components of the movement, case etc.
– Winding any mechanical watch tight may break the mainspring. If you can avoid it do not wind the watch hard.
– When adjusting the hands of your watch, move them in a clockwise direction only. Counter-clockwise adjustments may damage the movement.
– If you must adjust counter-clockwise make it for small adjustments only (i.e. for minutes, NOT hours).
– Be careful and gentle when adjusting the movement speed (faster or slower). Don’t make sharp movements, and don’t touch other components in the movement especially the pendulum mechanism.
– Every 2-3 years it is necessary to service and oil vintage watches.
– IF the watch is dirty – allow the watch to run down, don’t wind it again until you have it serviced by a qualified watch repair expert. Dust will absorb and remove important lubricants and cause the movement pieces to wear down.
– To clean the case, dial and crystal you should use a cloth that does NOT leave fibers as these may get caught up in the movement. Check with your Watch repair expert to get an appropriate cloth.
– Keep your antiques watch away from magnets. Strong magnetic fields may affect the accuracy of your watch since some vintage watches were made with iron based components in the movement.
– Most Cases and Covers are fine components and will not handle abuse well. The watch should not be shaken, beaten, or stressed.
– Antique watches generally experience an error of up to 5-10 minutes a day. Any accuracy of +- 5 minutes is very good.
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