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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer

Leroy & Fils Pocket Chronometer with Louis Audemars Winding Mechanism, Palais Royal

Partially verified

This 18K gold pocket chronometer, approximately 51.5mm in diameter and weighing about 135 grams, is signed by Leroy & Fils. The watch features an engine-turned, à-goutte case. It is powered by a chronometer movement featuring pink gold wheels, a helical hairspring, and a balance fitted with both gold and platinum screws. The movement is driven by a chain-and-fusee mechanism and utilizes a Louis Audemars winding system, protected by an 1862 patent. Winding is achieved via the crown in conjunction with a side-mounted slide mechanism, designated as 'REMONTOIR PAR LE PENDANT'. The watch displays the Leroy serial number 43340 on the dome, while the movement is numbered 11767, identified as the serial number from Louis Audemars. The enamel dial displays fine craquelling in the rim area and includes pink gold hands. The auction house reports that the watch is in working order.

Front view of the Leroy & Fils gold pocket chronometer, showing the enamel dial and crown.
Front view of the Leroy & Fils gold pocket chronometer, showing the enamel dial and crown. — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Leroy & Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4125
Source-reported date
1875-1877
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
43340

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

Case and Dial Construction

The timepiece is housed in an 18K gold case measuring approximately 51.5mm in diameter. The exterior of the case is engine-turned and styled in the à-goutte format. A signed and numbered dome protects the internal movement, bearing the Leroy serial number 43340.

The enamel dial is finished with pink gold hands. Minor condition issues are noted, specifically the presence of fine craquelling located in the rim area of the dial. The dial layout includes a subsidiary seconds register, and the signature 'Leroy & Fils' is applied to the face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ca. Ø51.5mm, approx. 135 g, 18K gold, engine turned, à-goutte case”
  • “signed and numbered dome with the Leroy serial number 43340”
  • “signed enamel dial (fine craquelling in the rim area)”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is driven by an Ankerchronometer movement, which incorporates high-grade features including pink gold wheels and a helical hairspring. The regulation is managed by a chronometer balance equipped with a combination of gold and platinum screws. Energy is delivered to the movement via a traditional chain-and-fusee system.

A notable technical aspect is the inclusion of a Louis Audemars winding system, patented in 1862. This allows for winding by the crown, which requires the engagement of a slide on the side of the case. The system is marked 'REMONTOIR PAR LE PENDANT, SE DÉGAGEANT DE LUI-MÊME, SYSTÈME LOUIS AUDEMARS'.

Evidence for this section
  • “excellent Ankerchronometer movement with pink gold wheels, helical hairspring, winding by chain/fusee”
  • “chronometer balance with gold screws and platinum screws”
  • “REMONTOIR PAR LE PENDANT, SE DÉGAGEANT DE LUI-MÊME, SYSTÈME LOUIS AUDEMARS”

Attribution and History

The auction description reports that the movement serial number 11767 identifies Louis Audemars as the supplier of the caliber. Based on this serial number and the quality of the movement, the production is placed between 1875 and 1877.

The documentation provided mentions the historical archive of the House of Audemars.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement numbered 11767, the serial number of Louis Audemars as supplier of the movement”
  • “the watch was made between 1875 and 1877”
  • “These chronometers are extremely rare. Only 2 other examples are known to us.”

Open research questions

  • Do records in the Audemars historical archive explicitly confirm the delivery of this specific movement serial number to Leroy & Fils?
  • What is the precise mechanical interaction between the crown and the side slide when the 'self-releasing' feature is activated?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Leroy & Fils Pocket Chronometer with Louis Audemars Winding Mechanism, Palais Royal
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLeroy & Fils“signed Leroy & Fils”
Case material18K Gold“18K gold”
Case diameter51.5 mm“Ca. Ø51.5mm”
Leroy Serial Number43340“Leroy serial number 43340”
Movement Serial Number11767“movement numbered 11767, the serial number of Louis Audemars”
Winding PatentLouis Audemars 1862“Louis Audemars patent from 1862.”
ConditionWorking order“in working order”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with a subsidiary seconds register at the six o'clock position.
  • Engine-turned gold casing with a hinged back cover.
  • Movement bridges feature signature engravings for Leroy & Fils.
  • Side-mounted slide mechanism on the case band.

Research qualifications

  • Craquelling present on the enamel dial.
  • The specific production date range (1875-1877) is an attribution based on serial numbers.
  • The attribution of the movement supplier relies on the assessment of the movement serial number.

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

Consulted source

Pocket watch: highly interesting pocket chronometer with Louis Audemars winding mechanism, Leroy & Fils Paris

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 017302635c

Terms in this record

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

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