L. Leroy & Cie. Ecran Paramagnetique Chronograph
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This L. Leroy & Cie. 'Ecran Paramagnetique' is an 18K gold keyless dress pocket watch manufactured in Paris circa 1900. It features an 18K gold three-body 'bassine' polished case that houses a specialized soft iron inner shield, designed to function as an antimagnetic enclosure for the movement.
The timepiece is driven by a 19-ligne gilt brass movement with 23 jewels, utilizing a straight-line lever escapement and a bimetallic compensation balance with a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The watch includes a chronograph complication with an instantaneous 60-minute register, operated via a push-button integrated into the winding crown. The white enamel dial displays radial Roman numerals, an internal 13-24 hour track, an outer tachymeter, and subsidiary registers for seconds and minutes.
This specimen is signed by the maker on the dial, cuvette, and movement, and measures 51 mm in diameter.
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
- Date
- circa 1900
- Type
- Chronograph
- Maker
- L. Leroy & Cie.
- Reference
- No. 69774
- Jewel count
- 23
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Movement size
- 19 lignes
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- L. Leroy & Cie.
Design
- Visible features
- • The winding crown incorporates a chronograph pusher. • The dial includes an outer tachymeter scale. • The case back features an engraved monogram. • The 12 o'clock register serves as the instantaneous 60-minute counter.
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in an 18K gold three-body case characterized by a polished 'bassine' profile. The exterior is notable for an engraved monogram on the case back, while the interior protects the mechanism with a soft iron casing. The dial is executed in white enamel, presenting a complex layout with radial Roman numerals and an interior red-printed 13-24 hour track. Additional tracks include an outer minute and fifths-of-a-second divisions, along with an outermost tachymeter scale. Time is indicated by gold 'Spade' hands, and the functionality of the chronograph is managed through a button integrated into the winding crown, which operates the movement's visible chronograph work.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 19-ligne gilt brass caliber containing 23 jewels. It employs a straight-line lever escapement and a bimetallic compensation balance, which is cut at the center of the rim to facilitate thermal adjustment. The timing regulation is controlled by an index regulator acting upon a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The chronograph mechanism is visible and configured for an instantaneous 60-minute register positioned at the 12 o'clock mark. The entire assembly is signed, consistent with the signatures present on the dial and the cuvette, reflecting the manufacturer's authentication of the internal components.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description provides a grade of AA, indicating a 'very good' status, though individual components show signs of age. The case is described as being in good condition but with visible patination and wear, while the movement is noted as requiring an overhaul to ensure optimal function. The watch is attributed to L. Leroy & Cie. of 7 Boulevard de la Madeleine, Paris, with a serial number of 69774.
Identification
- Serial number
- 69774
- 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 exact effectiveness of the early soft iron antimagnetic shield compared to later developments is not verified.
- Research required: The extent of the reported 'patinated' condition of the case is subjective to the cataloguer.