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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating split-seconds chronograph pocket watch

Charles Frodsham 18ct Yellow Gold Open-Faced Minute Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 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.

Front view of the open-faced dial showing chronograph hands and subsidiary registers
Front view of the open-faced dial showing chronograph hands and subsidiary registers — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating split-seconds chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
168
Source-reported date
1899-1900
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
08171

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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'.

Evidence for this section
  • “diameter 59mm”
  • “18ct gold case, stepped bezels, sunken repeating slide, chronograph activated via crown, split pusher beside pendant, olivette for hand-setting with protective shoulders”
  • “inside case back numbered 08171 and with 18ct gold hallmarks, London date letter ‘d’ for 1899- 1900 and HMF sponsor’s punch mark in oval cameo”
  • “case back with engraved family crest and motto of the Dixon family”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilded three-quarter plate Nicole, Nielsen & Co. movement, English lateral lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel balance spring with terminal curves, diamond end stone”
  • “two polished steel hammers repeating on coiled gongs”
  • “numbered and signed No. 08171 AD Fmsz”
  • “chronograph activated via crown”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel Willis dial”
  • “two large subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60-minute register, outer track calibrated for fifths”
  • “blued steel spade hands”
  • “contrasting split-seconds hands in gilded and blued steel, each featuring sharp, arrow-tipped counterbalances”

Open research questions

  • What are the archival records regarding the specific commission of this watch for the Dixon family?
  • Does the 'HMF' sponsor mark specifically correspond to the Harrison firm associated with the London assay for this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Frodsham 18ct Yellow Gold Open-Faced Minute Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MakerNicole, Nielsen & Co.“gilded three-quarter plate Nicole, Nielsen & Co. movement”
Movement Number08171 AD Fmsz“numbered and signed No. 08171 AD Fmsz”
Case Material and Hallmarks18ct gold, London date letter 'd' for 1899-1900“18ct gold hallmarks, London date letter ‘d’ for 1899- 1900”
Dial MakerWillis“White enamel Willis dial”
Case Diameter59mm“diameter 59mm”
ProvenanceChristie’s London, 29 September 1995, lot 107“Christie’s London, 29 September 1995, lot 107.”
LiteratureVaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams: The Story of a Family of Chronometer Makers, 1981, p. 260“Vaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams: The Story of a Family of Chronometer Makers, Antiquarian Horological Society, 1981, p. 260.”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and the engraved family crest on the case back are described in the catalogue but not shown in this front-dial view.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Charles Frodsham, London | A very fine 18ct yellow gold open-faced

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 4e07ace2ca

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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