English minute repeating half hunter chronometer Circa 1895

Half hunting cased chronometer repeater by Army & Navy Cooperative Ltd
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An English 18 carat gold half hunting cased minute repeating anchor chronometer, London hallmark 1895. Frosted gilt 3/4 plated movement, 7 jewels in bolted chatons, laterally calibrated counter weight lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued Breguet double ended spiral, diamond endstone, minute repetition on gongs triggered by slider in the rim. Repeating mechanism consists of the finest steel levers. Movement signed, dial, case and movement numbered. White enamel dial, probably from Willis, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, outer minute ring and blued steel pear hands. Polished à goutte case framed with blue champlevé enamel hour display and inner minute ring, maker’s mark ‘EW’ (Edward Wilday). Gold hinged cuvette.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Weight: 143 g
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Signed: Army & Navy Cooperative Society Ld 117 Victoria Strt London
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The Army & Navy Cooperative Society Ltd was founded in 1871 at 117, Victoria Street London. The first director was Frederick Bradford McCrea. This was one of the first and most successful cooperative retailers. It followed the philosophy to offer ‘The Very Best English Goods’ (the title of their mailing catalogs) to the members at reasonable prices. At the height of their efforts, they had offices throughout the British Empire, including India. The company’s administrative, financial and production records still exist today and are extremely useful research tools.
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In the Kew Observatory’s records they are listed as makers of sophisticated watches that perform well in the turn-of-the-century competitions. This watch, with its double wound balance spring, was most likely intended for one of them.
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This watch is in very good condition. It is also very high quality and equipped with a Willis dial and a theft proof swing bar. The escapement is particularly well made and has a spring with double end curve.