Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 10, 2025

LOT 607

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

CHF 10,000 - 20,000

HKD 95,000 - 190,000 / USD 12,300 - 24,500 / EUR 10,800 - 21,500

Sold: CHF 17,500

A very fine, rare and large, silver, manual wind keyless pocket chronometer with unique Art Nouveau dial. 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


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Brand Paul Ditisheim, Switzerland

Model chronometer

Year Circa 1900

Movement No. 18275

Case No. 18275

Diameter 75 mm.

Caliber 19 jewels

Weight 300 gr.

Signature Dial, case and movement

Biography

Ditisheim, Paul
La Chaux-de-Fonds, October 28, 1868 – Geneva, February 7, 1945

After early training in Switzerland, he studied in Berlin and Paris, arriving in England in 1891, where he worked as a technician at the Rotherham factory in Coventry. He started his own manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892, specialising in very high precision watches and jewelled watches. Success in both spheres followed rapidly, and he won many honours for adjusted watches, especially at the Neuchâtel and Kew Observatories.

He designed and patented his own compensation balance (Swiss invention patent No. 98 234), developed a new oil with remarkable stability, and was known for his superior skills in adjusting, skills that won him many prizes and honours.

He collaborated with Dr. Ch. E. Guillaume (1861-1938) in the use of both the Guillaume “integral” balance and the Elinvar-type of auto-compensating balance spring. He also contributed many papers to scientific and horological journals, and was associated with Dr. Paul Woog, an oil chemist, in the development of Chronax oils.

Alfred Meyer 22 juillet 1832 - 2 mai 1904 was an enamel painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is known for his decorative works and collaborations with prestigious houses in the field of decorative arts. His work is part of the Art Nouveau movement, featuring nature-inspired motifs, vibrant colors, and remarkable finesse in execution.

Meyer often worked on precious objects, including jewelry, cases, and decorative panels. He collaborated with renowned enamelers and goldsmiths, and his works were highly esteemed at the universal exhibitions of the time.