High quality French brass chronometer deck watch Circa 1900

Brass deck watch with 49h power reserve
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An extremely rare high quality Marine chronometer/deck chronometer with 49h power reserve by Louis Le Roy Paris, circa 1900. A brass case, very fine chronometer movement with spring detent chronometer escapement, signed and numbered silvered dial with 49h power reserve indication, gold hands, in very good condition, rarity. An original 3-part mahogany box with lateral carrying handles and original ivory plate by L. Leroy & Cie., Circa 18 × 18 × 18cm.
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Signed:  Louis Le Roy Paris
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Louis Leroy was born as the eldest son of a family with 14 children in 1859 and was already introduced to the production of precision watches in his youth. His father Theodore-Marie Leroy was known as a chronometer maker who delivered watches to the Navy and was a member of the Legion of Honour. He employed Louis in his workshops and he quickly became the best of his apprentices. With 16 years he already presented a watch at a competition of the Paris Chamber of watchmakers which attracted a lot of attention.

With 20 years he became an approved watchmaker. After the World Exhibition in London, Louis went to England to work for a manufacturer in Clerkenwell for a year. He was soon known for his talent and ambition as well as his pioneering spirit. Casimir Halley Desfontaines discovered the young man’s abilities and gave him a job at Le Roy & Sons. Leroy soon worked in the company’s workshops in Paris. In 1888 Louis Leroy became a partner in the company and took it over just a year later. He changed the name to “Leroy & Cie, ancienne maison Le Roy & Fils”, but from 1895 onwards he only operated under the name Leroy & Cie.