Lot Essay
The present example of a Leonidas Chronograph stands out first and foremost by virtue of its black dial with its oversized copper-coloured numerals and scales, rendering it a very distinguished, bold look. The well-preserved case shows strong proportions and sharp edges to the stepped lugs and the flat Calatrava-style bezel.
Leonidas
Named Leonidas Watch Factory (named after the Greek king of Sparta) was founded in 1841 by Julien Bourquin in St. Imier, Switzerland. In 1912, the firm was bought by . Constant Jeanneret-Droz, one of the sons of Jules Frédéric Jeanneret, founder of Excelsior Park, one of the most significant chronograph manufacturers of that era. This may well have been the reason that Leonidas produced excellent chronographs, in addition to instruments used in the automotive and aircraft industries. The firm also supplied timepieces, notably chronographs, to different armed forces. In 1962, Leonidas Watch Co. merged with Heuer, producing watches under the company name Heuer-Leonidas.
Leonidas
Named Leonidas Watch Factory (named after the Greek king of Sparta) was founded in 1841 by Julien Bourquin in St. Imier, Switzerland. In 1912, the firm was bought by . Constant Jeanneret-Droz, one of the sons of Jules Frédéric Jeanneret, founder of Excelsior Park, one of the most significant chronograph manufacturers of that era. This may well have been the reason that Leonidas produced excellent chronographs, in addition to instruments used in the automotive and aircraft industries. The firm also supplied timepieces, notably chronographs, to different armed forces. In 1962, Leonidas Watch Co. merged with Heuer, producing watches under the company name Heuer-Leonidas.