English split seconds minute repeating chrono Circa 1899

Superb gold split seconds minute repeating lever chronograph watch
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A superb English gold open faced split seconds minute repeating keyless lever chronograph watch, circa 1899, gilded frosted three quarter plate movement, double roller ratchet tooth lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, diamond endstone, steel chronograph work visible to the backplate, signed Chas. Frodsham by appointment to the Queen, late of 84 Strand, 115 New Bond St., London.
Off-white Willisenamel dial, Roman numerals, two sunken subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60 minute register, outer ring for minutes/chronograph seconds, all hands blued steel except contrasting gold and blued steel split seconds, signed Chas. Frodsham.
Gold case, the front with triple stepped bezel, back with polychrome enamel painted armorials of the Sandford family, gold split chronograph pusher and hand set button with olivette to the band, recessed repeating slide, winding crown depressing for chronograph activation, thief proof swivelling bow, case, cuvette, pendant and bow hallmarked for 18 Carat gold, back and cuvette with maker’s mark HMF in cameo for Harrison Mill Frodsham.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Signed: Chas. Frodsham by appointment to the Queen late of 84 Strand 115 New Bond St. London
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This watch is accompanied by a Charles Frodsham Certificate of Origin which confirms that the watch was completed in 1899 with a total manufacturing cost of £86.

The very fine quality movement of this watch was supplied to Charles Frodsham by Nicole, Nielsen & Co. who have used a Swiss ebauche, fitted the ratchet-tooth lever escapement, balance and cock, and carried out some of the finishing. Much of the chronograph mechanism is visible to the backplate, whilst the minute repeating work is concealed beneath the dial and between the plates, with one hammer visible next to the balance cock. The substantial 18ct gold case is of wonderful quality and the armorials of the Sandford family are beautifully painted in polychrome enamel to the back.

In 1843, Charles Frodsham bought the firm J.R. Arnold, renaming the business Arnold and Frodsham. This was a bold move as it set him up at 84 Strand. He retained the double name until 1858 when the firm Charles Frodsham, 84 Strand, was officially established. Through his many publications and timepieces, Frodsham dedicated himself to the exploration and improvement of timekeeping in its many forms, achieving acclaim for his work from chronometers to barometers. The Frodsham balance, which was designed for phenomenal accuracy, can be found in carriage clocks and some mantel clocks dating to as early as 1851. Frodsham became free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1845 and Master of the Company in 1855. He served as Master of the Company for a second time in 1862, that same year he was elected Vice-President of the British Horological Institute, of which he was one of the original members. In 1855 he won the Gold Medal of Honour at the Paris Exhibition. In 1862 he was awarded the Medal of Honour for his service as a juror at the Great International Exhibition in South Kensington. He continued to achieve recognition at exhibitions from Russia to Paris. Charles Frodsham excelled at his art until his death in January 1871, at the age of 60. Upon Charles’s death, his son, Harrison Mill Frodsham, took charge of the firm and incorporated it in 1893 as Charles Frodsham & Co. Ltd. Harrison Mill Frodsham proved to be an able horologist and businessman and the firm continued to flourish as a maker of fine timepieces.