This may help a littleHi,
I am lecturer trying to find more information about William Ehrhardt and his endeavour to setup the American and Swiss style manufactuering of watches in Birmingham. I have contacted the Wolfson archives, but there is no recorded information that they have archived there. If anyone can signpost me to anything, or who to contact that would be great
Thank you
Hi Oliver,Hi,
I am lecturer trying to find more information about William Ehrhardt and his endeavour to setup the American and Swiss style manufactuering of watches in Birmingham. I have contacted the Wolfson archives, but there is no recorded information that they have archived there. If anyone can signpost me to anything, or who to contact that would be great
Thank you
Wonderful article Janet, Thank You.
Thanks Janet, an excellent site!
Was still standing in 2020 according to google mapsi wonder if the old building on post 1 is still standing
lyn
Thanks for this Derek,Hi Oliver,
There's a horology degree at Birmingham School of Jewellery. Do you have any contacts there?
Rebecca Struthers is a watchmaker, she has a PhD in the history of watchmaking. https://www.strutherswatchmakers.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/rebecca-struthers
British Newspaper Archive has an obituary for William Ehrhardt.
There is a photograph of a silver pocket watch
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/vintage-pocket-watches-wruw-feb-2021.5276822/page-3#post-52993247
British Horological Journal has nothing.
But I think they were all pocket watches wound with a key, so unfashionable? (Later production included keyless)
There's a thread on https://www.thewatchforum.co.uk/search/26581/?q=Ehrhardt&o=relevance
Derek
TTThanks for this Derek,
I am a new lecturer in Horology at the school of Jewellery. Honestly, I only came across Time Works [and went to visit the site] last year when doing some research and reading of Alun C. Davies book on The Rise and Decline of English Watchmaking [excellent book], and I want to dig deeper. From memory, it was the third site of manufacture others being on Great Hampton street and Paradise street [don't think this street exists anymore. I haven't verified on old maps but assume it could be around central Birmingham where everything is called 'paradise']
There is a story to tell about how British watchmaking failed to industrialise compared to other industries. Especially when Britain was the first nation to industrialise and adopt new methods and techniques in other industries.
That’s good news Olivier, congratulations on your appointment. You are in the right place to discover the history of Birmingham watchmaking. A thought - the Birmingham and Midland Institute In Margaret Street has a library of older material and might be worth investigating,Thanks for this Derek,
I am a new lecturer in Horology at the school of Jewellery. Honestly, I only came across Time Works [and went to visit the site] last year when doing some research and reading of Alun C. Davies book on The Rise and Decline of English Watchmaking [excellent book], and I want to dig deeper. From memory, it was the third site of manufacture others being on Great Hampton street and Paradise street [don't think this street exists anymore. I haven't verified on old maps but assume it could be around central Birmingham where everything is called 'paradise']
There is a story to tell about how British watchmaking failed to industrialise compared to other industries. Especially when Britain was the first nation to industrialise and adopt new methods and techniques in other industries.
A fine set of photos, Lyn! Those wooden steps look dodgey. The steps with the guard rails look as if they might lead down to a cellar?2 more..this is the little building that shows in post 1 with another building to the left of it...noticed yesterday that the litte building had been turned into a cafe at some point but not sure it is open now
lyn
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Hi I've been researching a watch my dad gave my sister, 9ct gold hunter dated 1922 Birmingham assay. Not sure if by ur Great great grandfather or just your great grandfather as his 2 sons took over didn't they their names were William and Gustav .It is an old post but I believe this was built for my great great gradfather. He developed machine built mass produced watches. Earhardt was out then family surname.
If only those walls and floors could talk. Great photos Lyn!
Welcome to the Forum Raine69, a great place, enjoy! Thank you for your posting.Hi I've been researching a watch my dad gave my sister, 9ct gold hunter dated 1922 Birmingham assay. Not sure if by ur Great great grandfather or just your great grandfather as his 2 sons took over didn't they their names were William and Gustav .