English split-seconds chronograph with power reserve Circa 1881

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Kenmerk: FB0126
Diameter: 55 mm

Estimate: € 4.500 - 9.000
Price sold: € 3.750

Gold full hunting cased split-seconds chronograph

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A fine and rare English 18 carat gold full hunter chronograph pocket watch with 24-hour state of wind indication and unusual split-seconds mechanism, hallmarked London 1881. 3/4 Plate frosted gilt movement signed Chas Frodsham 84 Strand London, AD.Fmsz, cut and compensated balance, free sprung, cam governed stoppable seconds with automatic correction.
Fine white enamel dial with Roman numerals and outer 1/5ths seconds track signed Charles Frodsham at 12, 24-hour state of wind indication, blued steel hands and further centre seconds hands with stop and start activated by a button in the band at 12. Heavy 18 carat gold polished case bearing the hallmark for London 1881 and the case maker’s mark HMF for Harrison Mills Frodsham. Dial and movement signed.

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Diameter: 55 mm
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Signed: Charles Frodsham London
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Essentially a hybrid between a chronograph and split-seconds, this watch allows the centre seconds to be started and stopped by a single push-piece without interfering with the main train. When restarted, the heart-cam governed mechanism operates a catch-up automatically correcting the elapsed time. Though unfortunately, the intended use of this watch is unknown, the function combined with the lack of minute recording suggests it may have been used as a short-duration timer possibly in a sporting context, such as for measuring the distance between the first and second yacht or athlete in a race.
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This watch is believed to be missing a second running seconds hand.

Signed: Charles Frodsham London