PAUL DITTSHEIM 1905 Enameled Lady Pocket Watch In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds

Swiss pocket watch pendant made by Paul Dittsheim.

This is a beautiful open face pocket watch, created in Switzerland during the Edwardian and the art nouveau periods, back in the 1905. The pocket watch design is fabulous and was crafted by Paul Dittsheim in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and embellished with white-pinkish enamels and accented with floriated motifs in grisaille. The clock is fitted on top with a movable ring to wear in a chain, a brooch or a fob.

Dial: White enamel, analog with red and black Arabic numerals and gold Breguet hands, all inside a circle of black dots.

Movement: Swiss, mechanical, hand winding. Case reference number 18413.

Case: 18 karats yellow gold, enameled with a 19 mm bombe glass.

Movement size: 12/0s.

Diamonds: Mount in a flush setting, with 9 European rose cuts diamonds, 0.18 carat, white colorless F/G color, VS/SI clarity.

Weight: 15.40 Grams, (9.97 Dwt).

Measurements: 37 mm by 25 mm by 12 mm (1.46 x 0.98 x 0.47 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with Swiss marks; the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed as follow, "PAUL DITTSHEIM .750 18413 FABRICANT LA CHAUX DE-FONDS GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900".

Paul Dittsheim

Paul Dittsheim was a renowned watchmaker. He made significant contributions to the field of chronometry and focused on precision and accuracy in watchmaking, using innovative techniques and materials. He collaborated with Charles-Edouard Guillaume, who discovered the Invar and Elinvar hairspring and the integral balance wheel, both of which greatly improved the performance of watches. Dittsheim also conducted experiments to determine the influence of temperature, atmospheric pressure, and magnetism on watch performance. He developed the concept of the balance wheel with compensating affixes to eliminate irregularities caused by temperature changes. Additionally, Dittsheim studied the effects of lubrication on watch movements and worked with Paul Woog to develop high-quality oils for watch lubrication. His research on determining longitudes using on-board chronometers demonstrated the accuracy of small watches. Dittsheim's work in chronometry and time measurement earned him recognition and awards from the scientific community. He was a meticulous and dedicated watchmaker, constantly striving for perfection in his craft. Paul Dittsheim was born on October 28, 1868 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which remained his home throughout his life. His father was Gaspard Dittsheim, who was already a watchmaker and founded the watchmaking house Fabrique Vulcain. He had eight children, four of whom entered the watchmaking industry. Paul Dittsheim apprenticed as a watchmaker at the Watchmaking School of La Chaux-de-Fonds. He established himself as a watchmaker under his own name in 1892. In 1896, he won the gold medal at the Swiss National Exhibition in Geneva. In 1900, he won the Grand Prize at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. In 1914, he showcased his watchmaking knowledge at the Swiss National Exhibition in Bern. In 1920, he was named a knight of the Legion of Honor by the French government. He won the Hirn Prize and the Binons Prize from the Academy of Sciences. Dittsheim died on February 7, 1945.

Edwardian Era

This era like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds – the more, the merrier – and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and millegrain. Edwardian rings are works of art and best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band. Millegraining, a new decorative technique made possible by the use of platinum, is featured often on Edwardian jewelry. Its border of delicate balls and ridges surrounding a gemstone or on the knife sharp edges of a design served to give jewelry a softer, lighter look.

Note: The movement has been serviced and cleaned and is in accurate running condition.

Collateral: This pocket watch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this pocket watch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold or the enamel. The 9 diamond are secured in their settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P091524CENH/.3701