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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Marine deck watch

LeRoy & Cie Oversized Silver Marine Deck Watch

Partially verified

This oversized silver open-face deck watch is attributed to L. LeRoy & Cie, dating circa 1930. The dealer reports it was manufactured for the French Navy Service Hydrographique. Measuring 58 mm in diameter, the silver case features a snap-on bezel and a hinged back. According to the seller, the internal gilt bridge movement utilizes a lever escapement, wolf-tooth winding wheels, and an escape wheel cap. The visible white enamel dial is configured for sidereal time, displaying Roman numerals, blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds track at 6 o'clock, and a 40-hour state-of-wind indicator below the 12 position.

Dial and front view of the open-face pocket watch showing the sidereal dial, subsidiary seconds, and wind indicator
Dial and front view of the open-face pocket watch showing the sidereal dial, subsidiary seconds, and wind indicator — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Marine deck watch
Maker / attribution
LeRoy & Cie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
AB-85966
Source-reported date
c1930
Country
France
Source-reported serial
14907

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

Identity and Provenance

This oversized silver open-face pocket watch is attributed to LeRoy & Cie and identified by serial number 14907. It measures 58 mm wide by 17 mm in depth.

The case features an engraving on the back referring to the French Navy's Service Hydrographique. A gunmetal snap-on inner cover is signed 'No 14907, L LeRoy & Cie , Paris'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 58mm wide x 17mm”
  • “The back of the case is engraved “Service Hydrographique A, No 14907, L LeRoy & Cie””
  • “The case has a gunmetal snap on inner cover which is signed “No 14907, L LeRoy & Cie , Paris””

Dial and Visual Configuration

The white enamel dial features blue steel hands and a 40-hour wind indicator positioned under the 12 o'clock marker. It is signed 'L LeRoy & Cie, No. 14907, Temps Sidereal'.

An almost invisible hairline fracture is noted on the dial, extending from the 11 o'clock marker toward the center.

Evidence for this section
  • “the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands with a 40 hour wind indicator under the 12”
  • “The dial is signed “L LeRoy & Cie, No. 14907, Temps Sidereal””
  • “an almost invisible hairline from the 11 to the middle”

Construction and Internal Mechanism

The watch utilizes a stem-wind and stem-set mechanism. The movement is described as a gilt bridge type, featuring a lever escapement, wolf-tooth winding wheels, and a cap over the escape wheel and lever.

The case includes a hinged back and a snap-on bezel. The watch is fitted with a mineral glass crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt bridge movement has a lever escapement with a cap over the escape wheel and lever and wolf teeth winding wheels”
  • “The watch is stem wound / stem set”
  • “The watch has a mineral glass”
  • “the movement comes in a large silver open face case, which has a hinged back and snap on bezel”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'Temps Sidereal' marking confirm the watch was intended for sidereal timekeeping or is it a specific model designation?
  • Can the 'Service Hydrographique A' engraving be cross-referenced with French maritime horological records?
  • What is the historical significance of the British Museum example mentioned by the seller?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LeRoy & Cie Oversized Silver Marine Deck Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Serial Number14907“The case has a gunmetal snap on inner cover which is signed “No 14907, L LeRoy & Cie , Paris”.”
Case InscriptionService Hydrographique A, No 14907, L LeRoy & Cie“The back of the case is engraved “Service Hydrographique A, No 14907, L LeRoy & Cie”.”
Dimensions58mm wide x 17mm“The watch measures 58mm wide x 17mm”
Dial InscriptionL LeRoy & Cie, No. 14907, Temps Sidereal“The dial is signed “L LeRoy & Cie, No. 14907, Temps Sidereal””
Winding MechanismStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Power Reserve Indicator40 hour wind indicator“a 40 hour wind indicator under the 12”
Case FinishSmooth plain finish“The case has a smooth plain finish”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring Roman numerals and outer track with diamond markers at quarters.
  • Prominent ribbed onion-style winding crown surrounded by a circular bow.
  • Up-and-down state of wind subsidiary dial calibrated to 40 hours situated below the XII marker.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, inner cuvette, and outer case back engravings described in text are not visible in the provided photographs.

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

Consulted source

Rare oversized silver Marine deck watch by LeRoy & Cie c1930 in Antique Military Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 69ca20c1fd

Terms in this record

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

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