Charles Frodsham 18ct Yellow Gold Open-Faced Minute Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1899-1900
Maker / issuer
Charles FrodshamThis open-faced 18ct yellow gold pocket watch by Charles Frodsham features a Nicole, Nielsen & Co. three-quarter plate gilded movement with an English lateral lever escapement and minute repeating complication.
The white enamel dial, attributed by the source to T. J. Willis, displays Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, two large subsidiary dials for running seconds and a 60-minute register, and central split-seconds chronograph hands. The 59 mm case carries London hallmarks for 1899–1900 and contains a recessed slide for the repeating mechanism, an olivette for hand-setting, and a dedicated pusher for the split-seconds function.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Minute repeating split-seconds chronograph pocket watch
- Dial Maker
- Willis
- Case Diameter
- 59mm
- Movement Maker
- Nicole, Nielsen & Co.
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement Number
- 08171 AD Fmsz
- Maker / attribution
- Charles Frodsham
- Case Material and Hallmarks
- 18ct gold, London date letter 'd' for 1899-1900
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer fifths-of-a-second track. • Two subsidiary dials positioned horizontally at 9 and 3 o'clock. • Ribbed winding crown topped with a circular suspension bow and flanked by an auxiliary pusher near 11 o'clock. • Minute repeater slide lever integrated along the case band.
- Mechanism Details
- The watch is powered by a gilded three-quarter plate movement signed and numbered 08171 AD Fmsz. It features an English lateral lever escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel balance spring with terminal curves, and a diamond end stone. The minute repeating function is achieved via two polished steel hammers striking on coiled gongs. Chronograph functionality is managed through the crown for start, stop, and reset operations, with the split-seconds feature controlled by an auxiliary pusher.
- Construction and Identity
- This pocket watch features an 18ct yellow gold case with a diameter of 59mm. It is designed with stepped bezels, a recessed repeating slide for the minute-repeating complication, and a dedicated pusher for the split-seconds function located beside the pendant. The watch also includes an olivette for hand-setting, which is positioned with protective shoulders. The interior of the case back is marked with the number 08171, London hallmarks, and the date letter 'd' for 1899–1900. It also bears an HMF sponsor’s punch mark in an oval cameo. The exterior case back is engraved with the crest of the Dixon family and their motto, 'Fortes Fortuna Juvat'.
- Dial and Visual Observations
- The white enamel dial is attributed to T. J. Willis. It features Roman numerals and an outer track calibrated for fifths of a second. The layout incorporates two horizontal subsidiary dials for constant seconds and a 60-minute register. The watch is fitted with blued steel spade hands for hours and minutes. The chronograph system utilizes central split-seconds hands, which are described as being in gilded and blued steel with arrow-tipped counterbalances.
Identification
- Serial number
- 08171
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The movement and the engraved family crest on the case back are described in the catalogue but not shown in this front-dial view.