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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Deck chronometer

Paul Ditisheim Deck Chronometer

Partially verified

This is a Paul Ditisheim deck chronometer, identified by serial number 703434. The object is a large, open-face, keyless-winding watch with a 0.925 silver case measuring 65 mm in diameter. It features a dial with a 52-hour power-reserve indication at 12 o’clock and subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock. The internal mechanism is a 24-line, 3/4 plate, gilded brass movement featuring a going barrel, gold screwed-chatons, and a straight-line lever escapement. The movement is fitted with an annibal-brass Guillaume balance with gold poising screws and a blued steel hairspring with a terminal curve. It is adjusted to nine positions and isochronism. The watch is accompanied by an original fitted box. The auction house classifies the condition as generally good, noting some oxidation on the case and attributing the piece to approximately 1930.

Front view of the Paul Ditisheim deck chronometer inside its fitted box.
Front view of the Paul Ditisheim deck chronometer inside its fitted box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Deck chronometer
Maker / attribution
Paul Ditisheim
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
406
Source-reported date
Circa 1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
703434

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 and Dial

The object is housed in a large, round-shaped, open-face case constructed from 0.925 silver. The watch is keyless-winding, with the crown located at the 12 o'clock position.

The dial is designed for precision timekeeping, featuring Roman numerals and a clear subsidiary seconds display at the 6 o'clock position. A prominent 52-hour power-reserve indicator is positioned at 12 o'clock, marked with 'Up' and 'Down' to denote the winding status of the mainspring. The auction description notes that the case shows slight oxidation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver (0.925), open-face, keyless-winding, roundshaped, deck chronometer”
  • “subsidiary seconds at 6 and with 52- hour power reserve indication (sector at 12 o’clock); screwed case-back”
  • “Case: 3-6 Good Slightly oxidized”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a 24-line, 3/4 plate movement crafted in gilded brass. It utilizes a going barrel to maintain power during winding and features gold screwed-chatons. The escapement is a straight-line lever type.

The balance wheel is an annibal-brass Guillaume balance equipped with gold poising screws. It is paired with a blued steel hairspring featuring a terminal curve.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 24’’’ 3/4 plate, gilded brass, with going barrel, gold screwed-chatons (setting), straight-line lever escapement”
  • “annibal-brass Guillaume balance with gold poising screws and blued steel hairspring with terminal curve”
  • “adjusted to nine positions and isochronism”

Provenance and Marks

The watch bears signatures on the dial, case, and movement, all identifying the maker as Paul Ditisheim. The serial number 703434 is consistent across the case and the movement.

The piece is presented in its original fitted box. The auction description identifies the watch as a 'Deck Chronometer' and assigns it a production date of circa 1930.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature Dial, Case and Movement”
  • “Movement No. 703434”
  • “Case No. 703434”
  • “Accessories Original fitted box”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the 'BUNDESWEHR' engraving on this specific deck chronometer?
  • Is there additional documentation regarding the specific 'nine positions' adjustment testing for this caliber?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Paul Ditisheim Deck Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Ditisheim“Paul Ditisheim”
Material0.925 silver“Silver (0.925)”
Diameter65 mm“Diameter 65 mm”
Movement Type24''' 3/4 plate“Calibre 24’’’ 3/4 plate”
AdjustmentsNine positions and isochronism“adjusted to nine positions and isochronism”
BalanceAnnibal-brass Guillaume balance“annibal-brass Guillaume balance”
Serial Number703434“Movement No. 703434”
DateCirca 1930“Circa 1930”

Visible details

  • Power reserve indicator marked 'Up' and 'Down' at 12 o'clock position
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The source provides no explicit explanation for the 'BUNDESWEHR' engraving on the movement
  • The exact origin of the box is not specified beyond being 'original fitted'

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

Consulted source

PAUL DITISHEIM DECK CHRONOMETER WITH 52-HOUR POWER-RESERVE INDICATION, GUILLAUME BALANCE

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 42c6449871

Terms in this record

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

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