Pre-Lot Text
The following two lots are made by Paul Ditisheim (1868-1945), considered a genius in the world of horology. At the early age of 13 he entered the Horological School in La Chaux-de-Fonds where he obtained the Diploma of Honour. Before founding his own company in 1892 he worked for several renowned watch manufactures such as his father's, Vulcain, Ditisheim Frères. Around 1920, he entered into partnership with Solvil.
Paul Ditisheim is renowned for his highly precise chronometers for which he won an impressive number of prizes at various Observatory Contests. He also played an important role during the launch of Dr. Charles Guillaume's compensation balance, invented at the end of the 19th century and used in several of his watches during the Grand Prix in Paris in 1900.
For a description of Paul Ditisheim's deck watches see Paul Ditisheim Chronometrier by Fritz von Osterhausen, pp. 56-59.