Leroy & Fils Pocket Chronometer with Louis Audemars Winding Mechanism, Palais Royal
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1875-1877
This 18K gold pocket chronometer, approximately 51.5mm in diameter and weighing about 135 grams, is signed by Leroy & Fils. The watch features an engine-turned, à-goutte case.
It is powered by a chronometer movement featuring pink gold wheels, a helical hairspring, and a balance fitted with both gold and platinum screws. The movement is driven by a chain-and-fusee mechanism and utilizes a Louis Audemars winding system, protected by an 1862 patent. Winding is achieved via the crown in conjunction with a side-mounted slide mechanism, designated as 'REMONTOIR PAR LE PENDANT'. The watch displays the Leroy serial number 43340 on the dome, while the movement is numbered 11767, identified as the serial number from Louis Audemars.
The enamel dial displays fine craquelling in the rim area and includes pink gold hands. The auction house reports that the watch is in working order.
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
- Pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Leroy & Fils
- Condition
- Working order
- Case diameter
- 51.5 mm
- Case material
- 18K Gold
- Place recorded
- France
- Winding Patent
- Louis Audemars 1862
- Leroy Serial Number
- 43340
- Maker / attribution
- Leroy & Fils
- Movement Serial Number
- 11767
Design
- Visible features
- • Enamel dial with a subsidiary seconds register at the six o'clock position. • Engine-turned gold casing with a hinged back cover. • Movement bridges feature signature engravings for Leroy & Fils. • Side-mounted slide mechanism on the case band.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The watch is driven by an Ankerchronometer movement, which incorporates high-grade features including pink gold wheels and a helical hairspring. The regulation is managed by a chronometer balance equipped with a combination of gold and platinum screws. Energy is delivered to the movement via a traditional chain-and-fusee system. A notable technical aspect is the inclusion of a Louis Audemars winding system, patented in 1862. This allows for winding by the crown, which requires the engagement of a slide on the side of the case. The system is marked 'REMONTOIR PAR LE PENDANT, SE DÉGAGEANT DE LUI-MÊME, SYSTÈME LOUIS AUDEMARS'.
- Attribution and History
- The auction description reports that the movement serial number 11767 identifies Louis Audemars as the supplier of the caliber. Based on this serial number and the quality of the movement, the production is placed between 1875 and 1877. The documentation provided mentions the historical archive of the House of Audemars.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is housed in an 18K gold case measuring approximately 51.5mm in diameter. The exterior of the case is engine-turned and styled in the à-goutte format. A signed and numbered dome protects the internal movement, bearing the Leroy serial number 43340. The enamel dial is finished with pink gold hands. Minor condition issues are noted, specifically the presence of fine craquelling located in the rim area of the dial. The dial layout includes a subsidiary seconds register, and the signature 'Leroy & Fils' is applied to the face.
Identification
- Serial number
- 43340
- 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: Craquelling present on the enamel dial.
- Research required: The specific production date range (1875-1877) is an attribution based on serial numbers.
- Research required: The attribution of the movement supplier relies on the assessment of the movement serial number.