French 18 carat gold very fine precision anker chronometer Circa 1900

Anker chronometer watch
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A very fine precision anker chronometer, made by Louis Leroy in Paris, France, circa 1900. The numbered open faced case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and has a monogram on the back lid. The white enamel dial has Arabic numerals for the five minute outer ring and the hours, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and gold hands. The movement has a very fine anker chronometer escapement, an extra large chronometer balance and wolf’s toothing.
The cuvette is numbered and dial, cuvette and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 89 g
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Signed: L. Leroy et Cie.
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Leroy
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.