Barometers Realm

The exquisite device shown in the illustration is a rare example of precision and elegance encased in a sophisticated housing, embodying the beauty of functional design. The nickel-plated 54-millimeter-diameter case gleams, reflecting light and inviting observation. This shiny metal not only protects the complex mechanism inside but also adds a sense of grandeur to the instrument, highlighting its importance as a tool for travelers exploring mountain peaks.

A rotating bezel with a height scale graduated in meters is yet another element that unites aesthetic refinement with practical significance. The finely engraved lines and numbers seem to dance on the metallic surface, both informing and decorating. The bezel allows the user to determine altitude above sea level at any moment, offering a sense of control and awareness in the harshest conditions.

However, the focal point of this barometer is its rare open dial — an unusual feature for pocket models — revealing the inner workings of the conventional continental cantilever mechanism. At the center is the 20-millimeter-wide Vidie capsule — the heart of the aneroid barometer. This small but crucial component is responsible for the precise measurement of atmospheric pressure, and its delicate, almost fragile form contrasts with the massive, sturdy casing.

The silver-plated dial seems to be filled with light, which refracts on its surface, adding depth and dimension. The engraved scale, marked in centimeters of mercury, underscores the instrument's connection to European traditions, where precision and style have always gone hand in hand.

Instead of standard weather indications, the dial shows only two words in French: 'PLUIE' (rain) and 'BEAU' (fair weather). These simple words, minimally engraved on the surface, convey the quiet confidence of this instrument's capabilities.

In 1899, Arthur-Honoré Radiguet merged his company with Molteni, a renowned manufacturer of projection equipment, and brought his son-in-law, Gaston Massiot, into the management. This led to the formation of Radiguet & Massiot, specializing in the production of projection devices and scientific instruments.

After the death of Arthur Radiguet in 1905, Gaston Massiot continued to lead the company. In 1910, the firm was renamed Massiot & Cie. Since 1922, Massiot developed apparatus for projecting opaque objects, namely various forms of epidiascopes, primarily intended for medical education but also used in judiciary practice and applied in military telegraphy. Massiot & Cie remained active until the mid-1930s.