French 18K gold open faced lever chronograph Circa 1910

Gold antimagnetic chronograph by L. Leroy & Cie
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A very fine French 18 carat gold open faced antimagnetic chronograph pocket watch with chain, circa 1910. Bridge movement, engraved NM for non magnetic, a club tooth lever escapement, palladium spring and antimagnetic bimetallic screw balance. Two-tone gilt dial with Roman hours, outer minute divisions, an outermost fifth of a second track, the centre is engine turned, subsidiary seconds at 12 o’clock and moon hands. The case with sunray engine turning on the back, a cartouche with the monogram A.R. in the lower half, polished bezels, pendant and bow, a reede band. Dial signed, case numbered, cuvette and movement signed and numbered. Comes with the original gold covered and velvet lined morocco presentation case.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 129 g
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Signed: L. Leroy & Cie Horloger de la Marine 7 Bd. de la Madeleine Fondée 13-15 Palais Royal Paris
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Le Roy & Fils. In 1785, the company was first established in Paris, France by Basile Charles Le Roy (1765-1839) at the Palais Royal, 13 & 15 Galerie Montpensier, which remained the family’s address for more than a century. Le Roy was much valued by the royal family and the court and was always welcome at the Louvre. He was famous for his perfect and marvellous clocks and wall clocks, which were very popular in a great number of palaces and stately homes all over Europe.

During the French Revolution from September 1793 to July 1794, Le Roy used the anagram EYLOR, because his real name was too closely associated with the French aristocracy. This signature is still present on the dials and plates of clocks created in that period.

Le Roy’s son Charles-Louis learned the art of watchmaking from his father and in 1828 became his partner. The company name changed to Le Roy & Fils, Horloger des Ducs de Chartres et de Bourbon puis Horloger du Roi et du Duc d’Orléans (clockmaker to the king and the Duke of Orléans). From 1835 on, the company expanded in all directions and was appointed Horlogers de la Marine. it was extremely successful for many years and at times had a staff of 50 employees.

In 1854, Le Roy & Fils set themselves up in London, to conquer the English court. A branch was opened in Regent Street, to be followed by another in New Bond Street. In 1863, Queen Victoria issued the ‘Royal Warrant of Appointment’ to Leroy & Sons, which entitled the company to use the highly coveted title ‘watchmakers to the Queen’. It was a great honour for a French company because Le Roy is the only non-English house to carry that title.