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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chronometer

Paul Ditisheim manual wind keyless pocket chronometer

Partially verified

This Paul Ditisheim manual wind keyless pocket chronometer, dating to circa 1900, is a large silver and gold timepiece with a diameter of 75 mm and a weight of 300 grams. The watch features a unique Art Nouveau dial, which depicts a mythological scene of two female figures beside a fountain, signed by the enamel painter Alfred Meyer. The dial is finished in black with white numerals and small gold stars indicating the hours, paired with gold Breguet hands. The movement is fitted with 19 jewels and shares the serial number 18275 with the case. The auction description notes the piece is a fine and rare example of the maker's work. The watch remains in a silver case and is described as requiring an overhaul.

Front view of the Paul Ditisheim pocket watch with Art Nouveau enamel dial depicting two figures.
Front view of the Paul Ditisheim pocket watch with Art Nouveau enamel dial depicting two figures. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Chronometer
Maker / attribution
Paul Ditisheim
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
607
Source-reported date
Circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
18275

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 Decoration

The pocket watch features an Art Nouveau enamel dial displaying a central mythological scene showing two nude female figures positioned near a fountain. This artistic composition is signed by Alfred Meyer, an enamel painter recognized for his decorative work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The dial uses a black backdrop, accented with white numerals for the hours. Small gold stars are set between the numerals to further mark the time, and the display is complemented by gold Breguet hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The center of the dial features a mythological scene with two nude female figures around a fountain. The enamel is signed by Alfred Meyer.”
  • “The dial is outlined in black with white numerals and small gold stars marking the hours. Breguet gold hands”

Case and Movement

This chronometer is housed in a silver case and is described as a large, keyless manual wind watch measuring 75 mm in diameter and weighing 300 grams. The movement is specified as having 19 jewels.

Both the case and the internal movement bear the serial number 18275. The auction description categorizes the case condition as having slight scratches, while the movement is currently in need of an overhaul.

Evidence for this section
  • “A very fine, rare and large, silver, manual wind keyless pocket chronometer”
  • “Movement No. 18275 Case No. 18275”
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended”

Maker and Attribution

The watch is attributed to Paul Ditisheim, who established his manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892. Ditisheim focused on precision horology, gaining recognition for his work with adjusted watches at observatories.

The decorative aspect of the watch is attributed to the enamel painter Alfred Meyer.

Evidence for this section
  • “He started his own manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892, specialising in very high precision watches and jewelled watches.”
  • “Alfred Meyer 22 juillet 1832 - 2 mai 1904 was an enamel painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.”

Open research questions

  • What is the precise metallic composition of the gold elements found on the case?
  • Are there any specific observatory records or certificates associated with this movement's production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Paul Ditisheim manual wind keyless pocket chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPaul Ditisheim“Paul Ditisheim, Switzerland”
Serial Number18275“Movement No. 18275”
Diameter75 mm“Diameter 75 mm.”
Weight300 gr“Weight 300 gr.”
Jewels19 jewels“19 jewels”
Enamel SignatureAlfred Meyer“The enamel is signed by Alfred Meyer.”
ConditionOverhaul recommended“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • Case and movement share serial number 18275
  • Enamel dial signed by A. Meyer
  • Gold Breguet hands
  • Large 75mm diameter silver case

Research qualifications

  • Condition report indicates overhaul recommended
  • Exact metallic composition of case and bow not detailed beyond silver and gold

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

Consulted source

PAUL DITISHEIM, SWITZERLAND, CHRONOMETER, ART NOUVEAU ENAMEL DIAL SIGNED BY ALFRED MEYER, SILVER AND GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 434d54aac3

Terms in this record

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

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