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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split-seconds stopwatch

Park W. Co. "The Racer Split" split-seconds stopwatch

Partially verified

This timing instrument is an open face manual-wind split-seconds stopwatch measuring 49 mm wide by 16 mm deep. Housed in a plain white metal case with a hinged back and snap-on bezel, it encloses a nickel three-quarter plate movement signed by Park W. Switzerland. The white enamel dial features a 30-minute subsidiary register below 12 o'clock, paired central split-seconds hands, and inscriptions reading "The Racer", "Split", and "Swiss Made". It provides split-seconds timing, start, stop, flyback, and reset operations.

Front view of the white enamel dial and white metal case of the split-seconds stopwatch
Front view of the white enamel dial and white metal case of the split-seconds stopwatch — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Split-seconds stopwatch
Maker / attribution
Park W. Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WS41 (AB-94923)
Source-reported date
c1910
Country
Switzerland

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

Dial and Case Construction

The timing instrument features a white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals marking five-minute intervals and a red numeral 60 at the top. It has central coaxial split-seconds hands with looped counterpoises, together with a subsidiary 30-minute counter positioned directly below 12 o'clock accented with a red numeral 30. The dial is signed “The Racer, Split, Swiss Made”.

The dial is housed in a white metal open-face case measuring 49 mm in width by 16 mm in depth, fitted with a plastic glass. The dealer description reports a hinged back cover, a snap-on bezel, a smooth plain finish, and an internal signature reading “Park W co Switzerland”. A secondary push-piece is visible on the case band near the 10 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals for 5-minute intervals and a red 60 at the top.”
  • “Central coaxial split-seconds hands with distinctive looped counterpoises.”
  • “Subsidiary 30-minute counter positioned directly below 12 o'clock with red accent numeral 30.”
  • “Secondary push-piece located on the case band near the 10 o'clock position.”
  • “signed “The Racer, Split, Swiss Made””
  • “measures 49mm wide x 16mm deep”
  • “The stopwatch has a plastic glass”
  • “Case – the movement comes in a white metal open face case, which has a hinged back cover and a snap on bezel. The case is signed “Park W co Switzerland” and has a smooth plain finish.”

Reported Movement and Timing Functions

The seller describes the internal mechanism as a manual-wind, nickel three-quarter plate movement signed “Park W. Switzerland”. The unit operates as a timing device without traditional time-of-day indications, incorporating split-seconds, start, stop, flyback, and reset operations with a 30-minute register.

The movement is not visible in the provided image due to the closed case back. The seller reports that the movement is protected by a bezel and plastic cover, noting that this protective cover is loose.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement – the nickel ¾ plate movement has a stop watch function and is signed “Park W. Switzerland”.”
  • “The movement has a split seconds, start, stop, fly back and reset function with a 30 minute register.”
  • “It is manual wind.”
  • “This is not a pocket watch, it is a stop watch with a timing function only.”
  • “protected by a bezel and plastic cover – this is loose.”

Dating and Source Inconsistencies

The listing source presents conflicting chronological classifications. The item listing title designates the stopwatch as "c1910", whereas the structured metadata field classifies the period as "Mid 20th Century, Vintage (1970 onwards)".

Neither specific calibre numbers nor movement serial numbers are recorded in the source text, leaving these conflicting date ranges unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vintage SPLIT SECONDS stop watch c1910”
  • “Period Mid 20th Century, Vintage (1970 onwards)”

Open research questions

  • What specific base movement calibre or ebauche is fitted beneath the Park W. Co. signature?
  • Do internal case back markings or hallmarks clarify the contradiction between the circa 1910 listing title and the post-1970 period metadata?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Park W. Co. "The Racer Split" split-seconds stopwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement signaturePark W. Switzerland“signed “Park W. Switzerland””
Dial inscriptionThe Racer, Split, Swiss Made“signed “The Racer, Split, Swiss Made””
Case signaturePark W co Switzerland“signed “Park W co Switzerland””
Dimensions49mm wide x 16mm deep“measures 49mm wide x 16mm deep”
Register30 minute register“with a 30 minute register”
WindingManual wind“It is manual wind.”
Operating statusReported in working order“The stop watch is in working order”
Listing categoryWatches for restoration“This watch is sold in our Watches for restoration section and does not come with a warranty.”
Stock codeWS41 (AB-94923)“Code WS41 (AB-94923)”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals for 5-minute intervals and a red 60 at the top.
  • Central coaxial split-seconds hands with distinctive looped counterpoises.
  • Subsidiary 30-minute counter positioned directly below 12 o'clock with red accent numeral 30.
  • Secondary push-piece located on the case band near the 10 o'clock position.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the protective plastic movement cover is loose.
  • Contradiction in listing text between the title date of c1910 and metadata listing Mid 20th Century / Vintage.
  • Rear case back interior and movement are not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

Vintage SPLIT SECONDS stop watch c1910 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 0952bd7c44

Terms in this record

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