French blued iron rare double sided military chronograph Circa 1915

Pocket watch with telemeter and compass
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A rare double sided military chronograph with telemeter and compass made by A. François in Paris, France, circa  1915. The open faced case of this watch was crafted from blued iron and has a compass in the winding crown. The two white enamel dials have different scales including one for measuring distances which corresponds to a specific distance that is recorded on a map using a small wheel on the underside of the watch. The movement has a lever escapement.
The dial is signed Brevete S.G.D.G. Paris Phonotelemetre Thouvenin.
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Diameter: 52.5 mm
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Signed: A. François 95 Faub^g S^t Martin
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This watch is an absolute rarity for chronograph collectors.    
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A. François
François was a pocket watch maker based at 95 Faubourg Saint Martin in Paris around the early 19^th century. Here’s a brief overview of his history:

Establishment: Operating in a bustling area known for artisans and craftsmen, A. François specialized in creating pocket watches, which were highly sought after during this period.

Craftsmanship: The workshop was known for its attention to detail and quality. François likely employed traditional watchmaking techniques, contributing to the reputation of Paris as a center for luxury timepieces.

Market Position: During the early 20th century, pocket watches were popular among the affluent, and A. François catered to this market, producing elegant and reliable timepieces.

Challenges: Like many traditional watchmakers, A. François faced challenges with the rise of quartz technology in the mid 20^th century, which shifted consumer preferences away from mechanical watches.

Legacy: Although not as widely recognized today, the watches produced by A. François are appreciated by collectors for their craftsmanship and historical significance in French watchmaking.
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Phonotelmetre Thouvenin
This probably refers to the invention of the French Captain Arsène Thouvenin, Paris and its Phonotélémètre (Swiss invention patent No. 10 870, dated July 13, 1895).