Swiss repeating split-seconds lever chronograph Circa 1892

Gold and enamel minute repeating chronograph by Patek Philippe
–
An unusual, rare Swiss 18K yellow gold and enamel open faced minute repeating keyless lever split-seconds chronograph, circa 1892-1932. Retailed by J.J. Freeman, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Round-shaped case, the back with a painted enamel scene showing a mountain lake landscape, the 1/5 second chronograph activated by a round push-piece located on the winding crown, the split-seconds activated by a rectangular push-piece located on the case band at 10:30. White enamel dial with black radial Breguet hours, red Arabic five-minute numerals, red Arabic subsidiary seconds at 6 and gilt Louis XV hands. Rhodium-plated movement, going barrel, straight-line equilibrated lever escapement, compensated balance, blued steel hairspring with a terminal curve, index regulator with swan-neck spring, a micrometric screw, repeating the minutes on two steel gongs activated by a slide at 8 o’clock,
Dial, case and movement signed. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, dated May 13th, 2002, confirming this watch was sold on May 24th, 1893. On the cover, the enamel painting was replaced during servicing in Patek Philippe’s workshops in 1932.
–
Diameter: 44 mm
–
Signed: Patek Philippe & Co Genève
–
J. Freeman, Toledo, Ohio, USA. J. Freeman opened a jewellery store in downtown Toledo in 1877. Soon the store earned a reputation for excellence, both for its selection of merchandise and its commitment to customer service. About fifty years later, in 1929, W. F. Broer bought out his former business associate, and the store remained in his family for more than 60 years. In 1977, the store’s 100th anniversary was celebrated. Seven years later, Broer- Freeman moved to its current location in Toledo’s Ottawa Hills shopping centre, located conveniently at the corner of Talmadge Road and Central Avenue. Shortly after the move, David Cameron, a former manager with acclaimed jeweller Bailey, Banks & Biddle, joined Broer-Freeman as their new vice president. After serving that post for more than a decade, Cameron purchased Broer-Freeman. Since that time, he has endeavoured to honour the store’s long-standing tradition of superior service and quality dedication, and he has succeeded.