Paul Ditisheim
Paul Ditisheim was a renowned timekeeper and scientist who made significant contributions to the field of chronometry. He excelled in the manufacture and adjustment of chronometers, seeking confirmation of his work's success through progress reports issued by observatories. Ditisheim recognized the importance of factors such as temperature, lubrication, and magnetization in the performance of watches. He conducted in-depth research and experiments to further his scientific knowledge and improve the construction and adjustment of chronometers. Ditisheim invented the affixed balance wheel in 1920, which provided remarkable results in precision timekeeping. He also collaborated with chemists to solve the problem of lubrication in watches, combining scientific knowledge with watchmaking experience. Ditisheim's research extended to other areas, including the determination of longitudes and the effects of pressure and magnetic fields on chronometers. He was a prolific writer, with numerous historical works on watchmaking and related subjects. Ditisheim's dedication to perfection and his pursuit of excellence are evident in his chronometers, research, and literary works. His contributions to the field of chronometry earned him recognition and awards, and he is remembered as a reliable and erudite guide in the history of watchmaking.
Paul Ditisheim was born on October 28, 1868 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which remained his home throughout his life. His father was Gaspard Ditisheim, who was already a watchmaker and founded the watchmaking house Fabrique Vulcain. He had eight children, four of whom entered the watchmaking industry. Paul Ditisheim apprenticed as a watchmaker at the Watchmaking School of La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Paul Ditisheim had several innovative designs for chronometers. Some of his designs included the hermetically sealed chronometer, the chronometer with a paramagnetic envelope, the chronometer with electrical recording of the second, the sidereal chronometer, the astronomical chronometer with an equation mechanism, the marine chronometer with central seconds, the Antarctic belt for polar expeditions, the chronograph for sports, the chronograph for doctors, and the printing chronograph.
Paul Ditisheim collaborated with several scientists and watchmakers, including Auguste Bourquin, James Vaucher, and Paul Woog. He had a deep and lasting friendship with Charles-Edouard Guillaume, who considered him the greatest watchmaker of the present time.