164 - L. Leroy & Cie. - Small Ship's Chronometer

L. Leroy & Cie. - Small Ship's Chronometer A rare, high-quality torpedo boat chronometer with 36h power reserve indication and wooden box Movm. No. 1281, Case No. 1281, Dimensions 103 x 124 x 74 mm, circa 1890, Origin Frankreich Case: Mahogany box, three-body. Dial: Silvered, auxiliary seconds. Movm.: Brass movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement, chronometer balance with 4 screws and 2 movable weights, helical balance spring. L. Leroy & Cie was a renowned French watch manufacturer with roots in the late 18th century, ranking among the most prestigious and influential brands in haute horlogerie. The company traces its origins back to 1785, when chronometer maker Bazile-Charles Le Roy opened his workshop in Paris. The manufacture supplied the French royal court, the Napoleonic court, and the British royal family. After several generational changes and name shifts (Leroy et Fils), watchmaker Louis Leroy (Louis-Henry Leroy), together with Jules Halley des Fontaines, took over the company in 1879 and renamed it L. Leroy & Cie. The firm was the official chronometer maker to the French Navy (Horloger de la Marine) and produced highly precise marine chronometers and navigational instruments. At our 109th auction on 18 November 2023, we sold the torpedo boat chronometer No. 1282 for EUR 4,000. Case: very good, worn. Dial: very good, slightly oxydized. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.