Rare French silver split seconds lever chronograph Circa 1910

Silver chronograph presented by King Carol I of Romania to his valet
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A fine and rare French silver open faced split seconds chronograph keyless lever pocket watch presented by King Carol I of Romania to his valet, circa 1910. Rhodium plated movement, Geneva striping decoration, 15 jewels, counterpoised straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Hinged silver cuvette. White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals, outer minute track, outermost fifths of a second chronograph division, red-painted Arabic seconds numerals 25-300, subsidiary seconds, and original black steel spade hands. Polished case, the back engraved with the cypher of King Carol below a crown, gold olive shaped button at 1 o’clock for the split seconds, start/stop of the chronograph activated by depressing the crown. Cuvette signed.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Signed: L. Leroy & Cie Paris
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This watch was presented by King Carol of Romania (1839-1914) to the father of the present owner, who was the King’s valet when he was in residence at his Chateau in Normandy.