Gold English split seconds lever chronograph Circa 1886

Very fine gold split seconds keyless lever chronograph watch
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A very fine English gold open faced split seconds keyless lever chronograph watch, circa 1886. Gilded frosted 3/4 plate movement, ratchet tooth lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, diamond endstone, micrometre regulation, steel chronograph work visible to the backplate, signed Chas. Frodsham, by Appointment to the Queen, 84 Strand, London.
Off white Willis dial, Roman numerals, two sunken subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60-minute register, all hands blued steel except contrasting gold and blued steel split-seconds hands, outer ring for minutes/chronograph seconds, signed Chas. Frodsham.
Case back with engraved armorials and crest of Sir Andrew Noble, gold split chronograph pusher and hand set button with olivette to the band, winding crown depressing for chronograph activation, thief proof swivelling bow, plain polished gold cuvette, case, cuvette, pendant and bow hallmarked for 18ct gold, date letter for London 1886, back and cuvette with maker’s mark HMF in cameo for Harrison Mill Frodsham. With an associated retailer’s presentation case. Accompanied by a Charles Frodsham Certificate of Origin.
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Diameter:  54 mm
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Signed: Chas. Frodsham by Appointment to the Queen 84 Strand London
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The movement of this watch was supplied to Charles Frodsham by Nicole Nielsen. During the second half of the 19th century, Nicole Nielsen quickly gained recognition for the exceptional quality of their movements. The keyless and chronograph mechanisms in the present watch are typical of their work and it was their mastery of these elements that helped to secure their reputation. In later years, the firm became renowned for its exceptional pocket chronometers, carrousels and tourbillons. For a history of Nicole Nielsen and Co. see: Vaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams, Chapter XI.
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This watch, no. 07468, is listed together with no. 07469 by Vaudrey Mercer in The Frodshams – the latter watch was sold at Christie’s Geneva. Also, a split seconds chronograph watch with movement supplied by Nicole Nielsen, no. 07469 is similarly styled to the present watch.
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Sir Andrew Noble (1831-1915), whose crest and motto appear on the case back of this watch, was chairman of Armstrong Whitworth & Company from 1900-1915. He joined this famous engineering, bridge and shipbuilding company in 1860 and ten years later was made a Fellow of the Royal Society for his scientific work, at the comparatively young age of 38.