Paul Ditisheim manual wind keyless pocket chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1900
Maker / issuer
Paul DitisheimThis Paul Ditisheim manual wind keyless pocket chronometer, dating to circa 1900, is a large silver and gold timepiece with a diameter of 75 mm and a weight of 300 grams.
The watch features a unique Art Nouveau dial, which depicts a mythological scene of two female figures beside a fountain, signed by the enamel painter Alfred Meyer. The dial is finished in black with white numerals and small gold stars indicating the hours, paired with gold Breguet hands. The movement is fitted with 19 jewels and shares the serial number 18275 with the case. The auction description notes the piece is a fine and rare example of the maker's work.
The watch remains in a silver case and is described as requiring an overhaul.
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
- Chronometer
- Maker
- Paul Ditisheim
- Jewels
- 19 jewels
- Weight
- 300 gr
- Diameter
- 75 mm
- Condition
- Overhaul recommended
- Serial Number
- 18275
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Enamel Signature
- Alfred Meyer
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Ditisheim
Design
- Visible features
- • Case and movement share serial number 18275 • Enamel dial signed by A. Meyer • Gold Breguet hands • Large 75mm diameter silver case
- Case and Movement
- This chronometer is housed in a silver case and is described as a large, keyless manual wind watch measuring 75 mm in diameter and weighing 300 grams. The movement is specified as having 19 jewels. Both the case and the internal movement bear the serial number 18275. The auction description categorizes the case condition as having slight scratches, while the movement is currently in need of an overhaul.
- Dial and Decoration
- The pocket watch features an Art Nouveau enamel dial displaying a central mythological scene showing two nude female figures positioned near a fountain. This artistic composition is signed by Alfred Meyer, an enamel painter recognized for his decorative work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The dial uses a black backdrop, accented with white numerals for the hours. Small gold stars are set between the numerals to further mark the time, and the display is complemented by gold Breguet hands.
- Maker and Attribution
- The watch is attributed to Paul Ditisheim, who established his manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892. Ditisheim focused on precision horology, gaining recognition for his work with adjusted watches at observatories. The decorative aspect of the watch is attributed to the enamel painter Alfred Meyer.
Identification
- Serial number
- 18275
- 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: Condition report indicates overhaul recommended
- Research required: Exact metallic composition of case and bow not detailed beyond silver and gold