Paul Ditisheim Minute-Repeater, retailed by J. Borbolla
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
Maker / issuer
Paul DitisheimThis hunting-cased, keyless pocket watch is a minute-repeater constructed of 18K yellow gold, attributed to the maker Paul Ditisheim and retailed by J. Borbolla in Habana.
Dated to approximately 1920, the watch features a three-body 'bassine' case design decorated with a repetitive horseshoe pattern and includes concealed hinges with a hinged gold cuvette. The two-tone silver dial incorporates a guilloche center, large painted Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial, all complemented by blued steel Breguet hands. Mechanically, the watch is powered by an 18 1/2''' nickel movement containing 30 jewels, featuring a straight-line lever escapement and a cut bimetallic compensation balance with an index regulator.
The minute-repeating function is activated via a slide on the case band. The movement is signed with the reference 'Grand Prix Paris 1900', while the case bears the master mark of Paul Ditisheim.
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 pocket watch
- Maker
- Paul Ditisheim
- Diameter
- 48 mm
- Retailer
- J. Borbolla, Habana
- Jewel Count
- 30 jewels
- Case Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Serial Number
- 28293
- Place recorded
- Cuba
- Movement Caliber
- 18 1/2'''
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Ditisheim
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is housed in a three-body 'bassine' style hunting case fabricated from 18K yellow gold. The external surfaces of the case are finished with a repetitive horseshoe pattern. The construction includes concealed hinges and a hinged gold cuvette, which carries an inscription. The diameter of the case measures 48 mm. The dial is composed of two-tone silver and features a guilloche center. Large painted Arabic numerals are positioned on an outer plain reserve, accompanied by an outermost minute track. Time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands, and a subsidiary dial is provided for seconds. The dial is signed.
- Visible features
- • Two-tone dial with engine-turned guilloché center • Exterior case features continuous horseshoe-pattern decoration • Blued steel Breguet style hands • Slide-actuated minute repeating mechanism on case band
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is an 18 1/2 ligne nickel-finished caliber containing 30 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and a cut bimetallic compensation balance for regulation, paired with a blued steel Breguet balance spring and an index regulator. The watch functions as a minute-repeater, which is operated by a slide located on the case band. The movement is signed with a reference to 'Grand Prix Paris 1900'. In addition to the functional movement components, the watch is noted for possessing extra fine adjustments.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports the watch was made circa 1920. The case bears the master mark associated with Paul Ditisheim. The watch is signed on both the dial and the case. The auction house grading system indicates a 'Very good' overall grade, though individual components are assessed separately.
Identification
- Serial number
- 28293
- 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 reports for movement and dial indicate oxidation and wear
- Research required: Specific metallurgical composition of the case apart from 18K yellow gold is not detailed