Swiss extremely rare split seconds chronograph Circa 1890

Pocket watch with rattrapante and foudroyante
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An extremely rare and very fine work with rattrapante and foudroyante, made by Ami Lecoultre in Brassus & Genève, Switzerland, circa 1890. The case of this watch is glazed on both sides and the enamel dial has red Arabic five minute numerals, black Roman hour numerals, a ¼ foudroyante dial at 6 o’clock and blued steel hands. The extremely rare numbered movement with split seconds chronograph and flashing ¼ second, is marked with the patent number from 1887, has Geneva striping finish and a fine adjustment.
Dial and movement signed.
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Diameter: 47,5 mm
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Signed: Ami Lecoultre, Brassus & Geneva
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The fantastic movement is still in the transport case and was probably never used or placed in a case. The movements according to patent 355403 are among the finest split seconds chronographs made in the 19^th century. This direct “diablotine” mechanism movement was invented by Ami LeCoultre of Le Brassus, Switzerland and is based on his patent number 355403 of January 4, 1887.
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Ami LeCoultre
Charles Ami Lecoultre (1843-1921) began his career in Le Brassus making complicated clocks. In 1878 he exhibited a highly complicated watch at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, which became known as “La Merveilleuse” and is now on display at the Musee International d’Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1881, Ami LeCoultre entered into a partnership with Louis Elisée Piguet, during which he registered several patents.