|
Appleton Tracy Chronodrometer
|
|
|
Appleton, Tracy & Co. S# 14,575, Model 1857 Chronodrometer movement, circa 1859. Unlike other Model 1857 movements, Chronodrometer movements were also set, as well as wound from the rear. The time of day is shown on a small, eccentric subsidiary dial, while a timer runs off the center post. The sweep hand revolves every four minutes, while another subsidiary dial carries a second hand rotating every four seconds. Both the time train and the timer are together started and stopped by activating a button on the rim of the case. The dials of different Chronodrometer movements are signed in several different ways. That of S# 14,575 is signed "American Watch Co., Chronodrometer [the latter, in red]," and "Patent Feb. 8, 1859." The inconvenience of having to stop the time train in order to utilize the timer function, and the absence of a zero-return mechanism in the timer clearly contribute to the rarity of Chronodrometer watches today. S# 14,575 is in its original coin silver "A.T. & Co." case. |