Lot Essay
Inscriptions
Dial: Paul Ditisheim La-Chaux-de-Fonds Grand Prix Paris 1900
Cuvette; Chronomètre De Bord No.45065 Paul Ditisheim Fabricant A La Chaux-De-Fonds Grands Prix Paris 1900, Berne 1914, 194 Prix de l'Etat Premier aux concours chronomètriques Des Observatoires De Neuchatel Kew & Teddington Case reverse: This watch has surpassed all previous results at the Kew Observatory National Physical Laboratory with the record number 96.9 marks, the highest ever attained 1920
Box ivory: No.45065 Kew Record 96.9 marks
Box silk lining: This watch No.45065 made by Paul Ditisheim, La Chaux-De-Fonds has surpassed all previous records at the Kew trials (National Physical Laboratory, Teddington) with the record number 96.9 marks the highest result ever attained. This watch has been used in May 1920 for the determination of longitude Greenwich-Paris by aeroplane.
No.45065 was one of twelve deck watches received for testing at the National Physical Laboratory Teddington from Paul Ditisheim on 12 March 1920. During the 43-day test period No.45065 obtained 96.9 marks which, up to that time, was the highest mark ever obtained. By special permission from Customs & Excise, Ditisheim delivered all twelve watches personally on 10 May 1920 to Greenwich Observatory for further rating checks. Ditisheim decided to check the 'difference on longitude' between Greenwich and Paris by testing the watches on the recently inaugurated regular aeroplane service. Between 18 and 27 May 1920 they were flown several times between the two aerodromes and then taken by car to Greenwich and the Paris Observatories respectively for timing. During flight Ditisheim wrapped them carefully in blankets inside a leather bag and kept them horizontal by means of a level (National Physical Laboratory records for March 1920 and the Horological Journal, Sept.1920, pp.197-8).
Included with this lot are copies of the original manuscript entries in the National Physical Laboratory ledgers relating to all twelve watches, plus copies of the relevant pages of The Horological Journal for September 1920.
Dial: Paul Ditisheim La-Chaux-de-Fonds Grand Prix Paris 1900
Cuvette; Chronomètre De Bord No.45065 Paul Ditisheim Fabricant A La Chaux-De-Fonds Grands Prix Paris 1900, Berne 1914, 194 Prix de l'Etat Premier aux concours chronomètriques Des Observatoires De Neuchatel Kew & Teddington Case reverse: This watch has surpassed all previous results at the Kew Observatory National Physical Laboratory with the record number 96.9 marks, the highest ever attained 1920
Box ivory: No.45065 Kew Record 96.9 marks
Box silk lining: This watch No.45065 made by Paul Ditisheim, La Chaux-De-Fonds has surpassed all previous records at the Kew trials (National Physical Laboratory, Teddington) with the record number 96.9 marks the highest result ever attained. This watch has been used in May 1920 for the determination of longitude Greenwich-Paris by aeroplane.
No.45065 was one of twelve deck watches received for testing at the National Physical Laboratory Teddington from Paul Ditisheim on 12 March 1920. During the 43-day test period No.45065 obtained 96.9 marks which, up to that time, was the highest mark ever obtained. By special permission from Customs & Excise, Ditisheim delivered all twelve watches personally on 10 May 1920 to Greenwich Observatory for further rating checks. Ditisheim decided to check the 'difference on longitude' between Greenwich and Paris by testing the watches on the recently inaugurated regular aeroplane service. Between 18 and 27 May 1920 they were flown several times between the two aerodromes and then taken by car to Greenwich and the Paris Observatories respectively for timing. During flight Ditisheim wrapped them carefully in blankets inside a leather bag and kept them horizontal by means of a level (National Physical Laboratory records for March 1920 and the Horological Journal, Sept.1920, pp.197-8).
Included with this lot are copies of the original manuscript entries in the National Physical Laboratory ledgers relating to all twelve watches, plus copies of the relevant pages of The Horological Journal for September 1920.