Swiss repeating commemoration chronograph Circa 1910

Gold hunting cased repeating chronograph by Alfred Lugrin
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A historically fascinating Swiss gold hunting cased minute repeating chronograph commemorative watch, featuring a relief of General Saint Martin, made for the South American market, circa 1910. The watch features a gilded bar lever escapement with a bimetallic compensation balance. It includes two small polished steel hammers striking on two coiled gongs and a revolving governor. The movement is numbered 64338 and signed Lugrin. The engine turned gilt dial showcases the embossed arms of the Army of the Andes at its centre, surrounded by a floral motif. It has a chapter ring with Arabic numerals, an outer chronograph seconds track, subsidiary seconds, and blued steel hands.
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The 18 carat gold case is adorned with a repoussé cuvette depicting Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, and José de San Martín—three Argentine loyalists who opposed the Spanish royal crown. It is inscribed with Gloria a los Proceres de la Independencia. The front cover features a relief of a battle scene with the inscription Batalla de Maipu, while the back cover depicts General San Martín with a globe and papers, inscribed General San Martin. The engraved band reads Centenario de la Independencia, and the case back bears Swiss hallmarks and the number 280952.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Signed: Lugrin
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The dial is in good, clean condition. The case has some tarnishing and service marks, along with minor rubbing. The movement operates when wound, and the chronograph hand runs and resets correctly. The repeat function works, although it is slightly sluggish.
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General José de San Martín, a Spanish-Argentinian officer, spearheaded the campaign to liberate Chile from Spanish rule in the early 19th century. In 1817, after suffering a defeat against the Spanish army, General San Martín successfully regrouped and rebuilt the Chilean Army and its resources. The two forces clashed again at the Battle of Maipú, where the Chilean patriots decisively defeated the Spanish, effectively expelling them from Chile. This victory had significant international repercussions, as it enabled the Chilean and Argentinian patriots to join forces in removing Spanish influence along South America’s Pacific coast. San Martín’s contributions were also pivotal in the eventual liberation of Peru from Spanish control. Today, General San Martín is celebrated as a national hero in Argentina and Peru. The highest honour bestowed by the Argentine government is named in his honour: The Order of the Liberator General San Martín.
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Lugrin SA, established in 1884 by Alfred Lugrin in L’Orient de l’Orbe, Vallée de Joux, specialised in crafting repeating, calendar, and chronograph movements. The company was later renamed Lemania.