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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-body boxed marine chronometer

L. Leroy & Cie Marine Chronometer No. 1825

Partially verified

This early twentieth-century marine chronometer by L. Leroy & Cie of Paris is numbered 1825 on both its silvered dial and an exterior box plaque. The movement is reported by the dealer to feature chain drive winding on the reverse, and the bowl is suspended within a brass gimbal ring fitted with a locking mechanism. The silvered dial exhibits Roman hour numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. It is housed in a fitted mahogany wooden transport box featuring double covers, an upper glazed inspection window, two side carrying handles, and an interior clip holding the winding key.

Three-quarter view of the Leroy marine chronometer in its opened mahogany box with brass gimbal and glazed inner lid
Three-quarter view of the Leroy marine chronometer in its opened mahogany box with brass gimbal and glazed inner lid — Antiquaires David Balzeau & Pascale Brion. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-body boxed marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
L. Leroy & Cie
Reference
865441
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
early 20th century
Country
France
Source-reported serial
1825

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Identity Markings

The instrument is identified by an inscription reading "L. Leroy & Cie n ° 1825 Paris" positioned on its silver dial. The dealer record notes that this designation is also reproduced on a plaque mounted on the front of the wooden box.

The source describes the dial as measuring 12 cm in diameter, featuring Roman numerals for the hours, blued steel hands, and a small seconds dial. Wear and finish alteration are visible on the dial plate, where "The silvered dial displays notable surface wear, tarnish, and finish loss across the center and lower register."

Evidence for this section
  • “Presence on the dial of the annotation L. Leroy & Cie n ° 1825 Paris, also reproduced on a plaque on the front of the box.”
  • “Dial diameter: 12 cm”
  • “Marine chronometer with silver dial Roman numerals for the hours. Small seconds dial, blued steel hands.”
  • “The silvered dial displays notable surface wear, tarnish, and finish loss across the center and lower register.”

Gimbal Suspension and Wooden Casing

The chronometer is housed within a mahogany wooden box measuring 18 cm in height, 21 cm in width, and 19.2 cm in depth. The dealer description records that the box possesses double covers, two side handles, and a first inspection cover protected by glass.

For leveling and rotation, the instrument is mounted in brass. Direct observation confirms that "The instrument is gimbal-mounted in polished brass with an adjustable locking arm and thumbscrew knob," alongside "A winding key is secured in a fitted brass clip inside the upper right corner of the mahogany case."

Evidence for this section
  • “Dimensions of the box: Height: 18 cm - Width T: 21 cm - Depth: 19.2 cm”
  • “This clock is presented in a mahogany wooden box with double covers and two side handles with its first inspection cover protected by a glass.”
  • “This clock is mounted on a brass frame to allow rotation. Small locking screw bolt.”
  • “The instrument is gimbal-mounted in polished brass with an adjustable locking arm and thumbscrew knob.”
  • “A winding key is secured in a fitted brass clip inside the upper right corner of the mahogany case.”

Reported Movement and Technical Limitations

The listing reports a "Chain movement in perfect working order" with "Winding on the back" and attributes manufacture to the early twentieth century. These mechanical and operational claims reflect dealer assertions rather than verified testing.

Neither the internal movement plates, the escapement type, nor the balance assembly are visible in the provided imagery. Consequently, internal mechanical configuration and condition cannot be independently confirmed from this documentation alone.

Evidence for this section
  • “Winding on the back.”
  • “Chain movement in perfect working order.”
  • “Period manufacture early twentieth century.”

Open research questions

  • What specific escapement (e.g., spring detent) and balance wheel configuration are fitted to movement No. 1825?
  • Do internal stamps on the movement pillars, plates, or bowl match the serial number 1825 found on the dial and exterior plaque?
  • Can historical Leroy workshop ledgers verify the exact completion date and original purchaser or naval registry for chronometer No. 1825?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for L. Leroy & Cie Marine Chronometer No. 1825
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerL. Leroy & Cie“Presence on the dial of the annotation L. Leroy & Cie n ° 1825 Paris”
Serial Number1825“n ° 1825 Paris”
Box MaterialMahogany“mahogany wooden box”
Box DimensionsHeight: 18 cm - Width: 21 cm - Depth: 19.2 cm“Height: 18 cm - Width T: 21 cm - Depth: 19.2 cm”
Dial Diameter12 cm“Dial diameter: 12 cm”
Movement DriveChain movement“Chain movement in perfect working order.”
Winding LocationWinding on the back“Winding on the back.”
Inspection CoverFirst inspection cover protected by glass“with its first inspection cover protected by a glass.”
Period ManufactureEarly twentieth century (dealer-reported)“Period manufacture early twentieth century.”

Visible details

  • The silvered dial displays notable surface wear, tarnish, and finish loss across the center and lower register.
  • A winding key is secured in a fitted brass clip inside the upper right corner of the mahogany case.
  • The instrument is gimbal-mounted in polished brass with an adjustable locking arm and thumbscrew knob.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement and balance assembly are not shown.
  • Mechanical functioning is claimed by the seller ('in perfect working order') but cannot be independently verified from the images.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Proantic: Chronometer De Marine L. Leroy

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 140a708d26

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.