König, Gerhard - Uhren und Uhrmacherei in Berlin 1450–1900. Miniaturen zur Geschichte, Kultur und Denkmalpflege Berlins
Berlin: Kulturbund der DDR
Gerhard König's work highlights Berlin's outstanding role as a center of watchmaking and watch production from the late Middle Ages to 1900. Berlin clocks were recognized far beyond the borders of Brandenburg-Prussia and are distinguished by their high technical precision and artistic design. The work presents for the first time a complete directory of Berlin clockmakers, including both well-known masters and lesser-known workshops.
König emphasizes that Berlin clockmakers achieved not only regional but also supra-local significance. He also highlights the targeted efforts of the Prussian rulers to establish an independent watchmaking industry through promotion and state control. Elector Frederick William and later Frederick II specifically promoted the development of this industry by recruiting skilled workers from abroad and improving production methods. In addition to technical quality, the book also highlights the artistic side of watchmaking and Berlin's own distinctive design style.
Berlin's watchmakers made a significant contribution to the cultural life of the city and created works of great art-historical value. Through the combination of functionality, technical innovation, and design sophistication, the history of Berlin watchmaking has become an important part of Berlin's cultural history.