Paul Ditisheim

foliate engraved nickel lever movement, 26 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, minute repeating on two gongs, bridge of repeater main spring engraved 'Grand Prix, Paris 1900', triple sunk white enamel dial with Breguet numerals, subsidiary seconds, moon hands, circular case with large repeat slide in the band, dial and movement signed

The movement is decoratively engraved both to the back plate and under-dial, suggesting that the movement itself was originally intended as an exhibition piece (when a dial would not have been shown). Undoubtedly one of the earliest minute repeating wristwatches, the style of case and dial would suggest that the movement was cased by the company towards 1910-1915 perhaps as a special request.

Paul Ditisheim (1868-1945) was a specialist in complication watches. At the age of only 13, Ditisheim received the Diploma of Honour from the Horological school in La Chaux de Fonds and shortly after went to work with a specialist tourbillon maker in Les Ponts de Martel. He travelled to Paris, Berlin and Coventry in England. After spending time studying at the British Horological Institute, he went to work in Paris where he learnt to specialise in complication watches. In 1892 Paul Ditisheim established his own company and it was said that no watch left his workshop until he had checked and timed them himself.

Interestingly in 1896, Ditisheim took part at the Swiss National Exhibition in Geneva showing 180 pieces including, and remarkably early for this date, wristwatches. In 1900 Disitsheim exhibited an even greater variety of his work at the Paris Universal Exhibition and it was here that he was awarded a Grand Prix.

Paul Ditisheim was a highly accomplished horologist who won numerous accolades and prizes for his skill and ingenuity. Further information and listings of published records appear in: Pritchard, K., Swiss Timepiece Makers 1775-1975, p.D-42D-55