Swiss chronograph metronome military march watch Circa 1900

Gunmetal military march watch by Le Phare
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An exceptionally rare Swiss chronograph military march watch with a metronome, circa 1900. This watch features a gunmetal case, and a rose gold crown and bow. The white enamel dial has radial Breguet style hours, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, a subsidiary dial with a step count unit per minute at 12 and steel spade hands. Its ½ plate movement includes one hammer and one gong, a lever escapement and a screw compensation balance.
The chimes of the repeating chime triggered by the pusher in the pendant sound at six speeds according to the preselected number of steps per minute (84 – 92 – 100 – 106 – 116 – 124).
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Weight: 91 g
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Signed: Chrono Metronome Máry
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A metronome produces an audible pulse to help musicians keep a constant beat. It can be mechanical, electronic or software based and produces different sounds. Early metronomes date back to the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that they became widely used. Metronomes are now an essential tool for musicians of all levels and genres.
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In 1888, Barbezat-Baillot created the brand Le Phare, which he used as the company name from 1905. He was a highly skilled watchmaker and inventor who registered numerous patents. One of his most significant inventions was using centrifugal force in the repetition mechanism. The watch with this rare complication is known to us from literature, but according to our sources, this model is being offered for the first time at an auction.