Swiss 18 carat gold small chronograph rattrapante Circa 1904

Very fine gold enamel pocket watch
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A very fine  small split seconds chronograph in a gold and enamel case, made for Bailey, Banks & Biddle, probably by Patek, Philippe & Co in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1904. The open faced numbered case of this watch was crafted from 18 Carat cold and has fine enamel on the back lid with a horse scene and a cuvette with a portrait of a lady. The original white enamel dial has red Arabic five minute numerals, black Arabic hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial with black Arabic numerals, pink gold hands and a blued steel chronograph hand. The numbered movement has a very fine caliber with lever escapement, fine adjusting device, split seconds chronograph and a main plate inscribed ‘Swiss’. Dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Weight: 80 g
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Signed: Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co.
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Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co.
Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co. in Philadelphia, United States of America, was one of the most important clients of Patek, Philippe. Bailey & Kitchen, as it was originally known, was founded at 136 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, on September 20, 1832, by Joseph Trowbridge Bailey (1806–1854) and Andrew B. Kitchen (died 1850). The partnership was dissolved in November 1846. It was reformed with new partners as Bailey & Co. in 1841, and on March 1, 1878, again reestablished as Bailey Banks & Biddle. From approximately 1852 to 1862, the company produced its own silver. They were principally supplied by Taylor and Lawrie before 1852 and from approximately 1862 to 1870 by George B. Sharp. After 1870, they resold silver from various manufacturers.