Swiss gold minute repeating chronograph watch Circa 1900

Gold hunting cased keyless lever watch
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A fine Swiss 18 carat yellow gold hunting cased keyless lever pocket watch with chronograph and minute repeater made by National Watch Co in La Chaux-de-Fonds, circa 1900. It has a mechanical crown winding movement with a lever escapement. The watch features a highly complex minute repeating chime mechanism striking the hours, quarters, and minutes, alongside a chronograph function operated via a specialized sliding push button on the edge of the caseband. The immaculate white porcelain dial features elegant black Arabic numerals for the hours, an outer minute and split second track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, a large blued steel central chronograph seconds hand, and blued steel spade hands. The original brand signature lettering on the dial is slightly faded.
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The timepiece is housed in a substantial oversized round triple body 18 carat solid yellow gold full hunter case with a spring hinged front cover showing minor repairable stamps on the lap. It has a matching smooth polished back cover, a fluted winding crown, and a sturdy round suspension bow. The entire watch and its intricate mechanisms remain in perfect operating condition and exceptional overall state.
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Diameter: 62 mm
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Weight: 146 g
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Signed: National Watch Co.
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The National Watch Co. was an esteemed Swiss manufacturer established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a city internationally celebrated as the historical heart of Swiss precision watchmaking. Unlike common quarter repeaters, this high grade masterpiece features a coveted minute repeating mechanism that chimes down to the exact minute on demand. Combined with a fully integrated stopwatch chronograph, these sophisticated movements represent the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship from the region. The expansive 62 mm case diameter allows the internal hammers and gongs to deliver a louder, deeper, and more resonant acoustical tone.