Johann Schnoor Watches Age Determination Chronometer Kriegsmarine
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Johan Schnoor was a German watchmaker , presumably from northern Germany , who produced watches under his own name .
The brand operated in a smaller manufactory or workshop and often produced pocket watches , wristwatches , and was sometimes far less well-known than larger brands such as A. Lange & Söhne or Junghans.
Johan Schnoor likely had his watchmaking workshop between the 1920s and 1960s , but precise records of its founding date and expansion are lacking.
Typical works of this period:
| Type of work | Typical time period |
|---|---|
| AS / A. Schild / FHF Hand-operated elevator | ca. 1930–1960 |
| Unitas (e.g. 6497, 6300) | from about 1950 |
| PUW / Durowe | ca. 1940–1970 |
| ETA early calibers | from about 1950/60 |
The clockworks in “Johan Schnoor” clocks mostly date from the period between 1920 and 1970 , with Unitas and A. Schild movements being particularly common.
Dial & Design
Earlier clocks (1920–1940) :
Elegant dials with romantic fonts .
Engravings on the dial or decorated numerals .
The logo “Johan Schnoor” often appears as a clear, handwritten font or with decorative details.
Later watches (1940–1960) :
Simpler dial designs.
More practical fonts , but still often with German trademarks .
Typical dial styles for this period (e.g., "Breguet numerals" or Arabic numerals).
Housing material and shape
Stainless steel :
It became increasingly popular after World War II , particularly in the 1950s .
Gold (585/750) :
For high-quality models, typical of watches from the pre- and post-war period (approx. 1920–1950).
Chrome-plated brass or nickel :
Common in cheaper models , especially between 1920 and 1940 .
Pocket watches :
They were often still being produced into the 1930s .
Luminescent material
Radium (yellowish, brown, heavily aged):
→ typical for watches made before 1955 .
Tritium :
→ could have been used in “Johan Schnoor” watches from 1955 onwards.
Typical time periods for "Johan Schnoor" watches
1920–1950 :
The first phase of the brand, with pocket watches and finer hand-wound movements .
Often gold cases and fine decorations .
1950–1970 :
Wristwatches became increasingly popular.
The use of stainless steel is increasing, and the designs are becoming simpler and more functional .
Movement types such as Unitas and ETA are becoming more common.
German watchmaker
Johann Christoph Schnoor founded the company around 1837 Born in Hanerau-Hademarschen. During his journeyman years, he worked for 5 years at Henry Delolme in Rathbone Place London .
On December 13 1866 He founded a watch and chronometer business at Danish Street No. 15, Kiel, having previously taken his oath of citizenship. From 1878 He participated in chronometer testing and worked for the Imperial Navy. He was also a manufacturer of precision pendulum clocks. June 1st 1902 The company was subsequently taken over by chronometer makers and master watchmakers. Franz Happe (1879-1919)
Source: WatchWiki, AI
