Swiss pocket watch with a split seconds chronograph Circa 1902

Precision pocket watch for the American market
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A very fine precision pocket watch with a split-seconds chronograph, probably made in Geneva, Switzerland, for the American market, circa 1902. The watch boasts a 14 Carat gold open faced case, with a case number of 50223 and a work number of 6850. The dust cover bears a touching dedication: Walter, from his mother in honour of his 21st birthday, May 5, 1902, and a monogram on the back. The white enamel dial features an inner ring with black Arabic numerals indicating the hours, an outer ring with red Arabic numerals, a subsidiary dial for the seconds, and blued steel hands. The watch’s movement features a precision lever escapement with fine adjustment and exceptional chronograph rattrapante (or split-second chronograph). Both the movement and dial are signed, attesting to the watch’s authenticity and the skill of its maker.

The watch’s split-seconds chronograph function is particularly noteworthy. This feature allows for the measurement of two separate events simultaneously, with one hand stopping while the other continues to run. This is accomplished through two-second hands, one of which can be stopped independently while the other continues to track time.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Weight: 81 g
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Signed: W.K. Vanderslice C^o
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W.K. Vanderslice Co. was a prominent watchmaking company in New York during the early 1900s. They produced a wide range of watches, including pocket watches, wristwatches, and chronographs. The company was known for its high-quality timepieces, often made with precision movements and intricate designs. Some of their most popular watches included railroad, military, and dress watches for both men and women.