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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph tourbillon pocket watch

Charles Frodsham "Split Seconds Chronograph Tourbillon"

Partially verified

This 1909 Charles Frodsham pocket watch combines a one-minute tourbillon with a split-seconds chronograph within a two-tone silver and 18k pink gold case measuring 56 mm in diameter. The manual-wind movement, which an accompanying certificate states was supplied by Nicole Nielsen & Co., bears serial number 09256 and the coded inscription "AD Fmsz". In 1911, the timepiece was awarded a Class A Certificate with 79.7 marks at the Kew Observatory trial. Its dial displays Roman numerals, twin subsidiary registers, blued steel hands, and a gilt sweep chronograph hand.

Front view of Charles Frodsham pocket watch no. 09256 showing the dial, split-seconds chronograph hands, and two-tone case
Front view of Charles Frodsham pocket watch no. 09256 showing the dial, split-seconds chronograph hands, and two-tone case — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Split-seconds chronograph tourbillon pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
13
Source-reported date
1909
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
09256

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

Case Construction and Exterior Details

The pocket watch is housed in an open-face two-tone case measuring 56 mm in diameter, constructed from a combination of silver and 18k pink gold. Direct observation reveals a silvered body contrasted by a gilt or pink-gold bezel, winding crown, bow, and an auxiliary pusher situated along the case band at approximately the 9 o'clock position.

According to the auction catalog, the case interior bears serial number 09256, matching the movement, and is further stamped with the maker's mark 'HMF', referencing Harrison Mill Frodsham (spelled Harrison Mills Frodsham in the catalog entry).

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-tone metal case construction with gilt bow, crown, bezel, and split-seconds pusher at approximately 9 o'clock.”
  • “材料 Silver & 18k pink gold”
  • “case further stamped HMF (Harrison Mills Frodsham)”

Dial Configuration and Display

The timepiece features a textured silvered dial bordered by a perimeter minute track and marked with black Roman numerals for the hours. Two subsidiary registers are positioned horizontally at 3 and 9 o'clock, each fitted with blued hands.

Central blued hands indicate hours and minutes, accompanied by a gilt sweep chronograph hand and a blued split-seconds hand. Located below the 12 o'clock position is the inscription 'CHAS FRODSHAM 09256 AD Fmsz'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered textured dial with black Roman hour numerals and perimeter minute track.”
  • “Central blued hour and minute hands accompanied by a gilt sweep chronograph hand and a blued split-seconds hand.”
  • “Dial inscribed below 12 o'clock: 'CHAS FRODSHAM 09256 AD Fmsz'.”

Movement Architecture and Documentation

While internal components are not visible in the provided photograph, the catalog describes a manual-wind, jeweled three-quarter plate movement featuring a one-minute tourbillon paired with a split-seconds chronograph mechanism. The movement is reported to bear engraved inscriptions referencing '115 New Bond Street, Late of 84 Strand' alongside the coded signature 'AD Fmsz'.

The lot documentation includes an accompanying fitted box and a Charles Frodsham & Co. certificate indicating production in 1909, with the movement supplied by Nicole Nielsen & Co. at a stated manufacturing cost of £85. A duplicate National Physical Laboratory document confirms the chronometer obtained a Class A Certificate at the 1911 Kew Observatory trial, scoring 79.7 marks.

Evidence for this section
  • “combining a one-minute tourbillon with the rare and technically demanding split-seconds chronograph.”
  • “Accompanied by fitted box, Charles Frodsham & Co. certificate confirming production of the present timepiece in 1909 with movement supplied by Nicole Nielsen & Co. and a manufacturing cost of £85”
  • “duplicate of National Physical Laboratory confirming the present chronometer was awarded Class A at Kew observatory trial in 1911.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and assay marks are stamped inside the silver and pink-gold case backs alongside the HMF stamp?
  • How is the Nicole Nielsen & Co. tourbillon carriage framed and finished on the movement side, which is not depicted in catalog photography?
  • What specific register durations are marked on the twin subsidiary dials at 3 and 9 o'clock (e.g., continuous seconds versus elapsed minutes)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Charles Frodsham "Split Seconds Chronograph Tourbillon"
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement number09256“機芯編號 09256”
Case number09256“錶殼號碼 09256”
MaterialsSilver & 18k pink gold“材料 Silver & 18k pink gold”
Diameter56mm“尺寸 56mm diameter”
Movement supplierNicole Nielsen & Co.“movement supplied by Nicole Nielsen & Co.”
Observatory ratingClass A at Kew observatory trial in 1911“awarded Class A at Kew observatory trial in 1911.”
Case stampHMF (Harrison Mills Frodsham)“case further stamped HMF (Harrison Mills Frodsham)”
Original manufacturing cost£85“manufacturing cost of £85”
Observatory score79.7 marks (Class A)“received Class A Certificate in 1911 with 79.7 marks”

Visible details

  • Silvered textured dial with black Roman hour numerals and perimeter minute track.
  • Dual subsidiary dials positioned horizontally at 3 and 9 o'clock with blued hands.
  • Central blued hour and minute hands accompanied by a gilt sweep chronograph hand and a blued split-seconds hand.
  • Dial inscribed below 12 o'clock: 'CHAS FRODSHAM 09256 AD Fmsz'.
  • Two-tone metal case construction with gilt bow, crown, bezel, and split-seconds pusher at approximately 9 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • Movement side is not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Nicole Nielsen & Co. movement attribution is documented via the accompanying certificate rather than dial signing.

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

Consulted source

Charles Frodsham The Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9a00c2dcc6

Terms in this record

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