Heavy Tandem-Winding SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH With DIABLOTINE Antique Pocket Watch

Very fine, rare, early and unusual 18K gold, hunting cased watch. Switzerland, Locle, circa 1870s.
Diameter is 55mm, weight is hefty 150 grams.

Watch is equipped with rare complication - split seconds independent 1/4 seconds chronograph and «diablotine».

As opposed to regular watches with two-train independent seconds mechanism, this watch can be considered as a true chronograph with independent train, because the chronograph hands can be reset to zero.
It can therefore be considered as one of the first applications of the Adolphe Nicole patent front 1862 and one of the first developments of split seconds mechanism for chronographs.

The movement is nickel made and is fully jewelled with nice golden end pieces.
Dust cover and movement are signed by Huguenin Berthoud in Locle.

Jules Huguenin lived and worked in Locle in Switzerland?s Jura Mountain area during the second half of the 19th century. He specialized in complicated watches with double trains, split-seconds chronograph watches and watches with a "foudroyante" or "diablotine" feature.

Case is thick and solid. It bears hallmarks for 18k gold and Swiss Neuchatel hallmarks.


Condition
Watch appears to be in very good condition.
Movement and chronograph are working as it should.
Dial seems to be in very good condition without visible flaws.
Case is thick and solid.

Rare high-grade piece in good condition.
Similar watch by Jules Huguenin has been sold by Antiquorum back in 2005 for $8000.