L. Leroy & Cie. Keyless Dress Watch with Chronograph
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1915
This 18K gold keyless dress watch, manufactured by L. Leroy & Cie. circa 1915, features a chronograph with an instantaneous 60-minute register. The three-body case, identified as 'forme collier', is polished and has an engraved monogram on the back.
The gold engine-turned dial displays dauphine Arabic numerals, a fifths-of-a-second track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock, and a 60-minute register at 12 o'clock. It is equipped with blued-steel Breguet hands. The movement is a 19-ligne gilt brass caliber with 29 jewels, utilizing a straight-line lever escapement. A notable feature is the special balance, which is cut on each side at the mid-point of the rim to account for a self-compensating balance spring constructed from nickel and steel.
The chronograph function is controlled via a button located in the winding crown.
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
- Chronograph pocket watch
- Maker
- L. Leroy & Cie.
- Diameter
- 57 mm
- Case type
- Three body, forme collier
- Jewel count
- 29 jewels
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Serial Number
- 67394
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- L. Leroy & Cie.
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is housed in a three-body 18K gold 'forme collier' case featuring a polished finish. The case back is decorated with an engraved monogram. The watch is operated via a keyless winding mechanism, with a button integrated into the crown serving as the chronograph actuator. The gold dial exhibits an engine-turned pattern and displays Arabic numerals in a dauphine style. Time and chronograph functions are tracked via an outer minutes and fifths-of-a-second track, while subsidiary dials provide seconds at the 6 o'clock position and a 60-minute register at the 12 o'clock position. The hour, minute, and chronograph indications are completed by blued-steel Breguet hands.
- Visible features
- • Engine-turned gold dial surface • Chronograph activation via crown button • Monogram engraved on case back • Visible gilt brass movement plates
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a 19-ligne gilt brass movement containing 29 jewels. The escapement is a straight-line lever type, paired with a blued-steel Breguet balance spring. An index regulator is present to facilitate timing adjustments, and the chronograph mechanism remains visible in the movement layout. A defining technical feature is the special balance, which is cut at the mid-point of each side of the rim. The auction documentation explains that this design compensates for a balance spring manufactured from nickel and steel, which exhibits near self-compensating properties, thereby reducing the required arc of expansion for the bimetallic arms.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description assigns a general grade of 'AA Very good' to the lot. However, individual components show varying degrees of preservation. The piece is attributed to L. Leroy & Cie. of Paris, with the address 7 Boulevard de la Madeleine cited as part of the maker's identification.
Identification
- Serial number
- 67394
- 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 reports an overhaul is recommended.
- Research required: The dial condition is described as poor in specific areas.
- Research required: The balance spring composition is based on the source's interpretation of early materials.