Russian representative chronograph pocket watch Circa 1890

Gold hunting cased pocket watch by Paul Buhre
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A Russian representative hunting cased chronograph pocket watch, with 14-carat gold watch chain (63 g), circa 1890. This watch is of historical interest with engraved swastika of the German Empire and the engraved double eagle of the Russian Tsarist Empire,
This watch consists of a 14-carat pink gold case with engraved on the back, the imperial crown, W (Wilhelm II.), May 6, 1896, tsar’s crown, N (Nikolaus II.) and a coat of arms, a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, an outer Arabic track, two countersunk dials and blued hands. It has a bridge movement and a large gold screw compensation balance.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Weight: 135 g
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Signed: Paul Buhre, St. Petersburg, Purveyor to his Majesty’s Court
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Pavel Buhre was one of the first watch companies in Europe. The company was founded by Karl Buhre, a Russian businessman of German descent. At first, the Buhre watch company was located exclusively in St. Petersburg. In 1874, 34-year-old Pavel Buhre, Sr., son of Charles Buhre, decided to purchase a watch factory in Swiss Le Locle. By order of the imperial court, the Buhre factory produced gift watches, which the emperor presented to officials for distinguished public service, foreign diplomats and prominent figures of culture. Buhre watches were also bonuses to officers and non-commissioned officers in the Russian army.
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In 1899 Pavel Buhre was awarded the title of Official Supplier of the Imperial Court and granted the right to use the state coat of arms in its logo. The fact that the title of Official Supplier was bestowed to the company owner personally, not as a legal entity, is the reason the signature of Pavel Buhre is in the logo. Contenders for the title of Official Supplier of the Imperial Court were required to participate in all regional exhibitions established by the Ministry of Finance for eight years and remain free of customer complaints.
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Pavel Buhre watches were awarded top prizes at many national and international exhibitions, including silver and gold medals at World’s Fairs in Paris in 1889 and 1900, respectively. A silver medal in 1889 and a gold medal in 1900. In 1916, Pavel Buhre company received the Swiss patent number 74144 for the in-house chronograph. The Buhre produced exclusive products and watches for the public at large. Prices for a Pavel Buhre watch started at only two rubles and went as high as several thousand. This Russian company became one of the world’s leading producers of affordable watches for the broadest social demographics.