Huguenin Berthoud. A Rare Early Gold, Hunting Cased, Watch with Split Seconds Independent 1/4 Seconds Chronograph C1860

Huguenin Berthoud Locle. A Rare Early 18ct Yellow Gold, Hunting Cased, Keywind Watch with Independent Split Seconds and 1/4 Seconds Chronograph Diablotine C1860

Dial: The white enamel dial fully signed Huguenin Berthoud Locle with Roman hour numeral on the inner track and an outer minute track of Arabic numerals. The beautiful matching original blued steel Breguet style hands with matching Breguet style split second hands. The 1/4 second Foudroyante subsidiary dial located at six o'clock with a blued steel seconds hand.

Case: The heavy gold case (148 grms) with a plain front and back cover. This watch has a winder but in actual fact this is a keywind watch. The two small buttons on the side of the case are for the independent seconds hands. The inner cover has three keyholes for the going barrel, the independant seconds barrel and for setting the hands.

Movement: The complex movement which is nickel finished and fully jewelled throughout is fully signed Huguenin Berthoud Locle. The two barrels in the movement are for the time keeping and for the independant seconds. The escapement is lever.

This watch is rare and important as it is an early example of a split second and 1/4 second beating with Foudroyante meaning lightening speed. a very complex watch to design and build. This watch would make a great addition to one's collection.