Swiss fine and rare cylinder musical pocket watch Circa 1905

Silver open faced musical watch by Albert Didisheim & Frères
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A fine and rare Swiss silver open faced gentleman’s musical cylinder pocket watch, circa 1905. It has a brass cylinder movement with tandem winding for two barrels and a three arm gold balance. The watch features a musical movement with a brass barrel, steel pins, 27 vibrating blades, and a governor. The engine turned case has a blank cartouche at the back and a slide for musical movement and silence. The white enamel dial showcases an eccentric chapter ring with radial Roman hours, outer minute divisions, gold Louis XV hands, and a painted rowing scene.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Weight: 144 g
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Signed: Albert Didisheim & Frères
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This watch was made by the company of Albert Didisheim & Frères and incorporates their Swiss patent No. 6776 of June 13, 1893 for Système de raquette permettant un grand déplacement des goupilles. The musical movement plays the tune called Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay, a famous vaudeville and music hall song. Its first known public performance was in Henry J. Sayers’ 1891 revue ‘Tuxedo’ in Boston, Massachusetts.
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The Swiss watch manufacturer Henri-Albert Didisheim took over the company M & E Didisheim in Saint-Imier with his brothers Charles, Edgar and Hippolyte. In 1889, the company’s name was changed to Albert Didisheim & Frères and in 1895, it was renamed Henri-Albert Didisheim at that time, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The brand name Marvin was deposited under the direction of Henri-Albert.