English gold rare pocket watch with five time zones Circa 1880

Gold open faced pocket watch by Thos. Russel & Son
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A rare English gentleman’s pocket watch with five time zones for the North American market, circa 1880.
14 carat gold, tiered, polished case with engraved cartouche monogram, reeded band and numbered and signed gold dome. Enamel dial, mean time for Toronto with radial Roman hours, four subsidiary chapter rings with radial Roman numerals and city names: Montreal – New York – Detroit – Chicago, and with blued Breguet hands. 1/2 plate movement, keywind nickel-plated and ground, with pink gold train, screw compensation balance and counterpoised lever.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 98 g
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Signed: Thos. Russel & Son, London & Liverpool
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Thos. Russell & Son, English watch manufacture in Liverpool
The company Thos. Russell & Son Thomas Russell junior (1811-1867) founded in 1848. The company was first located at 20/22 Slater Street in Liverpool. The company’s headquarters were later moved to 30/32 Slater Street. In the year 1859 took Thomas Robert Russell (1833-1894) and Alfred Russell Holgate (1840-1893) the business. The company was renamed Thomas Russell & Son. The partnership between Thomas Robert and Alfred ended in 1870. Thomas Robert became the owner of the Russell Watch and Chronometer Manufactory in Cathedral Works, 18 Church Street, with addresses in Piccadilly, Toronto and Canada. In 1894 it became Russell’s Limited and continued as a retail jeweller with offices in Liverpool and into Manchester and Llandudno through the early 20th century. The company Thos. Russell & Son was continued by Alfred Holgate Russell as Alfred Russell & Co.