The so-called Henlein pocket watch

In 1897 the Germanisches Nationalmuseum became the owner of the tin-shaped, palm-sized watch. However, the acquisition of the watch was not loudly celebrated, although a Henlein anniversary was at the horizon. Even in its publications, the museum only made very guarded reference to the object.

In 2013 and 2014, experts from various disciplines examined the pocket watch and its mechanism. High-resolution images using raking light and 3D computer tomography revealed that many of the parts did not originally belong together. In the 19th century, in particular, numerous changes and additions were made. Moreover, the parts in the mechanism show very different signs of wear.

In explanation, it was argued that this could be the result of well-intentioned repairs to an old mechanism. However, the general blueprint is too inconsistent, even allowing for frequent repairs. The Henlein pocket watch was revealed to be a largely modern construction from the end of the 19th century that had undergone multiple modifications. In fact, the suspicion remains that it could even be a complete forgery.

The history of technology’s great inventions was increasingly regarded as a national asset in the 19th century, and this also led to the search for the oldest Nuremberg watches. The first to attribute the invention of the pocket watch to Peter Henlein was Johann Gabriel Doppelmayer, a professor of mathematics from Nuremberg. This seemed to be confirmed by the Henlein pocket watch, whose inscription said everything the broad public was eager to hear.

It is known that Peter Henlein was a competent, well-established clockmaker in the city of Nuremberg. He was born around 1480, was entered in the town’s Meisterbuch (Nuremberg Book of Masters) in 1509 and died in 1542. He was known to have manufactured small watches. The German clockmaking industry had found its pioneer and elevated him to the German clock inventor – a German hero. In 1905, the City of Nuremberg built a fountain in his honour.

After 1933, all scientific scruples already published regarding Henlein and his pocket watch were cast aside with the advent of National Socialism. In 1938, Veit Harlan, one of the most prominent directors of National Socialist cinema, even made a film about Henlein, entitled “Das unsterbliche Herz” (The Immortal Heart). School books revered him as the inventor of the pocket watch, and even the 1990 edition of the “Encyclopaedia Britannica” believed this to be correct.

The research at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is particularly strengthened by the close collaboration between cultural scientists and specialists in art technology. The work is always based on objects from the museum’s own collection.

Among other things, the museum is currently researching the collection of panel paintings and the symbolic representation of peace agreements.