Deck watch, Guillaume balance, power reserve Circa 1912

Silver open faced deck watch by Paul Ditisheim
–
A rare Swiss silver open faced keyless lever deck watch with Guillaume balance and power reserve, circa 1912-1913. Gilt finished 3/4 plate jewelled movement, Guillaume balance, diamond endstone. Silvered matte dial with Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, outer railway minute divisions, subsidiary seconds and 40 hours power reserve indicator. Water resistant type case, screw bezel and screw back stamped ‘H.R.’ and engraved with the large letter ‘A’, large domed crown, water resistant type protective crown cap with chain. Case numbered and stamped with London date letter for 1912-13, dial and movement signed and numbered, case also stamped with casemaker’s mark ‘FT’ for Fred Thoms.
–
Diameter: 62 mm
–
Signed: Paul Ditisheim La Chaux-de-Fonds Grand Prix Paris 1900 1ère Classe Compensateur Guillaume
–
This watch is made by Paul Ditisheim (1868-1945), considered a genius in the world of horology. At the early age of 13 he entered the Horological School in La Chaux-de-Fonds where he obtained the Diploma of Honour. Before founding his own company in 1892 he worked for several renowned watch manufactures such as his father’s, Vulcain, Ditisheim Frères. Around 1920, he entered into partnership with Solvil. Paul Ditisheim is renowned for his highly precise chronometers for which he won an impressive number of prizes at various Observatory Contests. He also played an important role during the launch of Dr. Charles Guillaume’s compensation balance, invented at the end of the 19th century and used in several of his watches during the Grand Prix in Paris in 1900.
–
Literature: Paul Ditisheim Chronometrier by Fritz von Osterhausen