English pocket watch with hygro-, baro- and thermometer Circa 1900

Extremely rare English pocket watch by Watson Bros.
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An extremely rare English pocket watch with hygrometer, barometer and mercury thermometer by one of London’s leading suppliers of hunting equipment and guns, circa 1900.
Engine-turned 18-carat gold case with an engraved monogram in a cartouche. Signed silvered dial with Roman hours, mercury thermometer, silver-plated barometer scales, subsidiary dial hygrometer dial, centre seconds, and spade hands. Bridge movement, screw compensation balance.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 199 g
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Signed: Watson Bros., 29 Old Bond St., London
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Watches of this type usually come in fairly plain silver cases; however, this example has a heavy gold case with a fine engine-turned pattern and an inscription that points to a buyer in the Arab market. The retailer mentioned in the signature on the dial is also interesting: Watson Bros. Gun & Rifle Manufacturers at 29 Old Bond Street still exists in London today and produces hunting weapons of supreme quality.
Thomas Watson was director of the company since 1875, his sons Arthur and Thomas took over in 1885. The excellent reputation they gained with their products ensured that Turkey, as well as Persia, became important markets for the company which are even today part of the company logo. It is likely that this watch was part of a shipment to one of these countries; we cannot imagine though that Watson Bros. produced it themselves because there is no hint in the company history that points to watchmaking.
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Watson Brothers, English arms manufacturer, watch dealer
Watson Bros. Gun & Rifle Manufacturers, located at 29 Old Bond Street, London, is a London-based company that produces the highest quality and craftsmanship in hunting weapons. Thomas Watson has led the company since 1875, the sons Arthur and Thomas since 1885. The reputation of their products meant that Turkey and Persia became significant markets and are still part of the company crest today. The watch at hand was probably part of a delivery to one of these countries; We can hardly imagine Watson Bros. as a manufacturer because there is no chapter in the history of watchmaking to be found. Today the company is located at 41 Tower Bridge Road, London.