Swiss Split-Second Chronograph in 25-Year Gold-Filled Case

A superb example of early 20th-century precision engineering, this Swiss high-grade split-second chronograph combines mechanical ingenuity with the refined presence of a classic gentleman’s pocket watch. Housed in a 25-year gold-filled open-face case, it offers both durability and elegance.

The case itself speaks to the standards of the period, the 25-year gold-filled refers to the thickness of gold layered over a base metal, guaranteed by the maker to withstand at least 25 years of daily wear. These cases were considered a premium choice as they offered the durability of the base metal and a luxurious look from the gold, and were often favored for high-grade movements such as this one.

Inside, the 17-jewel movement powers one of the most sophisticated complications of its time, the split-second chronograph. Unlike a standard chronograph, which times a single event, a split-second chronograph uses two superimposed sweep hands. At the start, the hands move together. With the press of the split-second button, one hand halts to record an intermediate time while the other continues. Pressing the button again causes the stopped hand to instantly “catch up” in a brilliant feat of mechanical coordination. This allowed early aviators, engineers, sportsmen, and scientists to time simultaneous events with remarkable accuracy.

The beautifully preserved 3-piece fired enamel dial showcases bold Arabic numerals, a 30-minute accumulator at 12 o’clock, and a sweeping seconds dial at 6. The enamel’s rich white surface reflects the quality of the dial work, fired layer by layer for a glasslike finish resistant to age and wear. Blued-steel hands complete the composition with crisp legibility.

Expertly restored and offered with a one-year warranty, this timepiece remains both a functional instrument and a testament to the highest traditions of Swiss craftsmanship.

The watch measures 53mm across.

Circa 191o