L. Leroy & Cie. 18K Gold Split-Seconds Pocket Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1914
This L. Leroy & Cie. pocket chronometer, identified by serial number 1477, dates to circa 1914. The timepiece was produced for the retailer E. Lamarque, located at Florida 335, Buenos Aires.
Constructed in 18K gold, the watch features a three-body "Empire" case with a polished finish and a hinged gold cuvette. It is equipped with a split-seconds chronograph and an instantaneous 60-minute recorder. The movement is a 18-ligne caliber in gilt brass, containing 23 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement with a Guillaume balance and a blued-steel balance spring. An Observatory of Besancon mark in the form of a viper's head is present.
The watch was accompanied by a Bulletin de Premiere Classe from the Observatoire National de Besancon, dated 1914, which recorded a total of 169.5 marks. The dial bears the signature of L. Leroy & Cie.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Split-seconds pocket chronometer
- Maker
- L. Leroy & Cie.
- Retailer
- E. Lamarque, Buenos-Aires
- Balance type
- Guillaume balance
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Movement size
- 18 lignes
- Serial Number
- 1477
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- L. Leroy & Cie.
- Observatory Certification
- Bulletin de Premiere Classe, Besancon, 1914
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is housed in a three-body, polished 18K gold "Empire" case. It features a hinged gold cuvette, which is signed by the maker. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals for the hours and includes outer minute and chronograph timing tracks. The layout is completed by sunken subsidiary dials for the seconds and the 60-minute register. The indications are provided by blued-steel Breguet hands.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with Roman numerals • Blued-steel Breguet hands • Crown-mounted chronograph button with side push-piece • Sunken subsidiary seconds and minutes register
- Provenance and Marks
- The watch was commissioned for the retailer E. Lamarque, located on Florida Street in Buenos Aires. It successfully underwent testing at the Observatoire National de Besancon, where it received a Bulletin de Premiere Classe certificate in 1914, achieving a score of 169.5 marks. The movement exhibits the official Besancon mark in the shape of a viper's head. Signed on both the dial and the internal cuvette, the object is documented as having been manufactured by L. Leroy & Cie.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is an 18-ligne caliber constructed in gilt brass. It features a straight-line lever escapement and a Guillaume balance made of brass and invar. The blued-steel balance spring is regulated with a terminal curve, credited to the work of Quelos. The functionality includes a split-seconds chronograph system with visible work, operated by a crown-mounted button and a band-mounted push-piece. An additional push-piece is set into the band to pause and release the balance for precise time setting.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1477
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction house notes a recommendation for an overhaul
- Research required: The dial is reported to have partial repainting