French deck watch with 49-hour power reserve indicator Circa 1860

Brass ship’s chronometer by Simon Vissière
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A small Parisian ship’s chronometer with regulator dial and 49-hour power reserve, circa 1860. This watch is housed in a beautiful mahogany deck box with spring-loaded brass gimbals. The dial is silver-plated, signed, and numbered. It features Roman radial hours at 9, Arabic minutes, extra seconds at 3 o’clock, and a 49-hour power reserve indicator. The hands are blued Breguet hands. The brass movement is 70 mm in size and comes with a chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, according to Thomas Earnshaw, and a bimetallic chronometer balance with four weights and two screws.
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Dimensions box: 160 x 170 x 160 mm
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Diameter: 70 mm
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Signed: Simon Vissière Paris
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Simon Vissière’s small-format chronometers are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This particular timepiece is a fine example of French watchmaking art and was sold to England after being serviced by HG Blair in Cardiff. The movement, which features a jumping power reserve display, is in excellent condition and reflects Vissière’s no-nonsense approach to watchmaking.
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Simon Vissière (1822-1887) was a student of Joseph Thaddäus Winnerl and went on to teach renowned watchmakers such as Leroy and Richard Lange. He was born in Paris and established his workshop and observatory in Le Havre. Vissière was known for producing the finest marine chronometers and was an early adopter of antimagnetic materials for chronometers.