Nice and rare oversized pocket watch with Chronograph and Compass, according to patent of Captain Vincent.
Diameter is 69mm, heigh without bow is 90mm, weight is hefty 245 grams.
Captain Henri Adolphe Charles Vincent was born in 1866. In 1885 he started his service in Infantry and in 1902 was already promoted to the rank of Captain.
After years of work, in 1909 he present his compass watch, intended to ".. officers and non-commissioned officers (...) to explorers (...) to navigators, sailors and skipper-fishermen (...) to engineers, architects, surveyors, surveyors and topographers (...) to teachers of physics and teachers (…) to aeronauts and airmen (…) to foresters, customs officers, motorists, cyclists, hunters, tourists, riders and travelers (…)".
As a reward for this invention, he congratulations from Jean Brun, Minister of the Armed Forces and was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1911.
The exactly similar watch was sold on Dr. Crott auction in Mannheim for 3400 euros (sale of 14 May 2016, lot 336).
Condition
The dial is free of damages.
Outer azimuth scale is tarnished.
Movement functions as it should, though time keeping is not guaranteed.
Chronograph functions correctly.
Case bears just common traces of wear.
Overall very good condition.