Situated within the 16 federal states of Germany, on the banks of the River Lech, the city of Augsburg boasts a population of approximately 300,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in Bavaria, following Munich and Nuremberg. Founded by the Romans in 15 BC as “Augusta Vindelicorum,” Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities. Initially a significant Roman military camp, it later evolved into a thriving trading center during the Middle Ages.
Leopold is not the only notable resident – during the Baroque period, Augsburg was home to several notable watchmakers who made significant contributions to the field of horology.
David Buschmann (1626–1701) was a prominent watchmaker celebrated for his intricate and detailed watches, which were highly sought-after during the 17th century.
Johann Martin (1642–1721) was renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship in pocket watches, sundials, and table clocks, significantly advancing the horological craft.
Johan Ulrich Schmidt, born around 1622, was a distinguished watchmaker known for creating small gold objects ornamented with enamel and set with jewels, an extremely challenging and highly skilled craft.
Nicolaus Rugendas the Younger (1619–1694) gained fame for his florid style of goldsmith work on watches. This highly decorative and intricate approach to watchmaking became popular between 1660 and 1680.
During the same era, the Perlach Tower, originally built in 989 as a watchtower, was transformed into a clock tower. After several renovations, it now stands at 230 feet tall and offers panoramic views from its observation deck – adorned with a clock and featuring bells that chime at regular intervals, the tower remains a popular tourist attraction and a prominent landmark in Augsburg.
Situated approximately 180 miles from the renowned Black Forest, Augsburg became home to several distinguished clockmakers during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Hans Buschmann (1540s–1620) was known for creating some of the city’s first intricate mechanical clocks. His works included ornate tower clocks and highly decorated wall clocks, often featuring elaborate dials and astronomical indicators.
Georg Roll and Johann Reinhold (late 1500s) were clockmakers and instrument makers famous for creating complex astronomical clocks and mechanical globes. Their work included features like automata and elaborate mechanical displays that demonstrated the motions of celestial bodies.
Ulrich Schniep (1520–1580) was a renowned clockmaker and mathematical instrument maker. He is best known for his portable sundials and astronomical clocks, which were highly innovative for their time. His work combined precision engineering with beautiful artistry, making his clocks highly sought after.
Elias Kretschmer (1610–1675) was a master clockmaker whose creations included elaborate longcase clocks and table clocks.
Notably worth mentioning, Augsburg is home to a walled enclave called the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex, founded in 1516 by Jakob Fugger – a wealthy merchant and banker. The annual rent for the Fuggerei, and its 150 residents remains one Rhenish gulden (equivalent to 0.88 euros), accompanied by a commitment to pray three daily prayers for the Fuggerei’s benefactors: the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and the Nicene Creed. Additionally, residents are required to perform part-time community work. The conditions for living in the Fuggerei have remained unchanged for 500 years: applicants must have resided in Augsburg for at least two years, be of the Catholic faith, and have fallen into poverty through no fault of their own.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s great-grandfather, Franz Mozart, who was a mason, resided in the Fuggerei from 1681 to 1694. His legacy is honored with a commemorative stone plaque placed at the entrance of the main hall.
