Leroy & Cie. A rare, large and unusual silver openface split seconds chronograph keyless lever deck watch with Guillaume balance
VARIOUS PROPERTIES
Leroy & Cie. A rare, large and unusual silver openface split seconds chronograph keyless lever deck watch with Guillaume balance

SIGNED L. LEROY & CIE., HORLOGER DE LA MARINE, PARIS, CHRONOMETRE NO. 18902, NO. 27205 BULLETIN DE 1ERE CLASSE (238 POINTS), CIRCA 1920

Details
Leroy & Cie. A rare, large and unusual silver openface split seconds chronograph keyless lever deck watch with Guillaume balance
Signed L. Leroy & Cie., Horloger de la Marine, Paris, Chronometre No. 18902, No. 27205 Bulletin de 1ere Classe (238 points), circa 1920
The gilt-finished fully jewelled lever movement stamped with the Viper's head, Guillaume balance, hinged cuvette, the white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, outer Arabic 60 and 30 seconds divisions, two subsidiary dials indicating 30 minutes register and constant seconds, in large circular case with snap on back, the split seconds chronograph functions operated through a button in the band and through the crown, case stamped and numbered, cuvette signed and numbered, dial and movement signed
66 mm. diam.

Lot Essay

According to the inscription on its cuvette, the present watch obtained a First Class Rating Certificate with a total of 238 points at a Besançon Observatory Pocket Chronometer Contest.

Its movement is furthermore stamped with the "Viper's Head", the symbol used by the Besançon Observatory to mark movements which had successfully passed the chronometer tests.

The Leroy dynasty of famous watchmakers was founded in 1751 by Charles Leroy, watchmaker to the King and renowned chronometer maker. After his death in 1771, the firm based at Paris' prestigious Palais Royal continued commerce under different leadership.

Louis Leroy, Horloger de la Marine, started as a watchmaker for the company in 1879 and took over the business with Jules Desfontaines, changing the firm's name to L. Leroy et Cie. Louis' brother Léon Leroy, who had joined in 1895, became partner in 1914.

Leroy watches participated in various exhibitions and were awarded numerous prices, especially at chronometer contests.

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