Swiss gold plated split seconds chronograph watch Circa 1850

Open faced chronograph with rattrapante and foudroyante
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A highly complex Swiss gold plated open faced pocket watch made by Grandjean in Le Locle, dating from the second half of the 19th century. This watch has a double barrel mechanical movement with a column wheel chronograph, lever escapement, bi metallic balance wheel, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. It is equipped with rare complications, including a rattrapante (split seconds) and a foudroyante (flying seconds), both visible on the white enamel dial, which displays black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer tachymeter scale. The dial is signed Grandjean au Locle. The numbered gold plated case features a fluted crown with a circular bow and a toggle for time setting. The split seconds pusher currently requires revision.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Signed: Grandjean Locle
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Henry Grandjean (1803–1879) was a Swiss watchmaker, reformer, and civic leader celebrated for his work in marine chronometry, establishing horological schools, and founding the Neuchâtel Cantonal Observatory.