Paul Ditisheim Chronometer Movement in Brass Cage
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1925
Maker / issuer
Paul DitisheimThis marine chronometer movement by Paul Ditisheim is mounted in a circular brass gimbal frame within a fitted wooden box. The silvered dial features a central sweep seconds hand, an up-and-down state-of-wind indicator at 12 o'clock, and an off-center subsidiary dial for hours and minutes at 6 o'clock numbered 1003.
The dial is signed Paul Ditisheim, La Chaux-de-Fonds, noting awards and observatory records. The Science Museum Group notes that the chronometer includes a lever escapement, Guillaume balance, and steel hairspring, alongside an interchangeable removable cage fitted with a detent escapement and Elinvar hairspring.
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
- Marine chronometer (duration not stated)
- Maker
- Paul Ditisheim
- Date Made
- 1925
- Description
- Chronometer movement in brass cage with lever escapement and removable cage with detent escapement
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Ditisheim
- Overall Measurements
- 131 mm x 183 mm x 194 mm, 3.01 kg
Design
- Visible features
- • White or silvered dial with central sweep hand, outer minute/seconds scale calibrated to 60 units, and subdial for time at 6 o'clock • Dial inscribed 'PAUL DITISHEIM LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS' with movement number '1003' • State-of-wind indicator dial located below 12 o'clock marked 'WIND' and 'DOWN' • Movement mounted in brass gimbal suspension inside a rectangular wooden outer box
- Mechanical Specifications
- The object contains components identified as a lever escapement, a Guillaume balance, and a steel hairspring. The assembly includes a removable cage component. The removable cage is described as containing a detent escapement and a patented Elinvar hairspring, noted as an alloy including nickel, steel, and chromium.
- Identity and Configuration
- This marine chronometer, signed 'Paul Ditisheim, La Chaux-de-Fonds' and numbered 1003, is housed within a mahogany case featuring brass fittings and a shield-shaped mother-of-pearl inlay. The instrument is mounted in a circular brass gimbal suspension. The dial layout includes a central sweep seconds hand, an up-and-down state-of-wind indicator marked 'WIND' and 'DOWN' positioned below 12 o'clock, and an off-center subsidiary dial for hours and minutes at 6 o'clock.
- Categorization and Provenance
- The collection records assign an overall date of 1925 to the object, though specific parts are attributed to different periods. The mahogany case is listed as Swiss and dated 1925. The movement component (Pt1) is catalogued with a date range of c. 1900-1910 and an origin of Europe.
Identification
- Object Number
- 1925-193
- Serial number
- 1003
- 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: Internal movement features including the Guillaume balance, lever escapement, and the removable cage are not visible through the closed case in the photograph.
- Research required: The overall catalogue record dates the object to 1925, while part 1 is noted as c. 1900-1910.