Leroy Chronomètre Observatoire Only Watch 2015

MTF's original post highlights the Leroy Chronomètre Observatoire Only Watch 2015, a truly unique piece crafted from aluminum for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity auction. This article delves into the watch's innovative use of aluminum for its case, dial, and movement, a rarity in watchmaking, and explores why this particular reference will remain a singular creation. The discussion also touches on the historical context of aluminum in horology and the challenges of working with this material.

As a physician, I have seen at first hand, how muscular dystrophy can ravage; so I urge collectors everywhere to dig deep and maximise proceeds for this charity auction.

For the 6th edition of Only Watch, the charity auction for research about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Leroy has donated a Chronomètre Observatoire piece unique from the Osmior line.

The watch case, dial and movement are made from aluminium, which is somewhat unusual.

There is historical precedent in the Leroy museum: an aluminum travel clock from 1894 with grande sonnerie, central seconds hand and alarm function, signed “L. Leroy & Cie - Montpensier. Palais Royal. Paris".

While the vintage clock was only encased in aluminium, the use of aluminium for movement mainplates and bridges is very rare.

Now it transpires that the Osmior Chronomètre Observatoire and caliber L200 is too complicated and expensive for reliable and viable commercial production.

Thus, this will be the ONLY watch made, making it truly an ONLY Watch.

The hand-wound Manufacture caliber L200 features an innovative, direct impulse escapement. Hand finishing is evident everywhere. The bridges are bevelled and frosted. The ratchet-wheels are given an anthracite colour. The pinion leaves are brightly polished. Steel parts are mirror polished to a black finish.

The 40 mm-diameter round case is made from a specially hardened aluminium alloy and the anthracite grey colour results from anodisation.

The circular satin-brushed bezel and the polished rear bezel is engraved as “Pièce unique” and “ONLY WATCH 2015”.

The sapphire crystals front and back are glare-proofed.

The watch is fitted with a hand-sewn alcantara-lined alligator leather strap and is fastened with an aluminium pin buckle.

The aluminum dial two-tone silver and dove-grey colouring with a printed black rail track of minute markers. The applique hour indices are Arabic numerals filled with white Superluminova luminescent material. The brand logo is applied at 12 o'clock. The steel hands are rhodium plated and also filled with white Superluminova.

A small red rhombus located at the 9 o’clock position turns from silver to red when the mechanism needs winding. Maximum power reserve is 98 hours running. From 0 to 60 hours, the power reserve indicator remains silver coloured like the dial. From 60 to 80 hours, it turns to white. Exceeding 80 hours, it changes to red indicating winding is required.

Case: Anthracite grey anodised aluminium (316Al), 40 mm in diameter, 10.50 mm thick, water proof to 3 ATM (30 meters)

Movement: Calibre L200Al, balance frequency 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), direct impulse on the balance (1 impulse/oscillation), unlocking lever with 2 diamond pallets, unlocking adjustable diamond impulse pin, Brun cage, variable balance-spring with double terminal curve: 1 inner curve and 1 outer curve, power reserve 98 hours, 38 jewels and 4 diamonds as jewels.

The actual movement used will be marked P001 as only the prototype movement is available.

History of L.Leroy

The Calibre L200 incorporates some the fundamental principles of horological science inspired by the work of Pierre Le Roy (1717 – 1785), “the father of modern chronometry” and son of Julien Le Roy, the famous watchmaker known for his absolute quest for precision.

Leroy claims no direct family link to those illustrious Le Roy forebears. However, the technical heritage and the handing down of expertise are often thought to be beyond doubt, so close was the collaboration between members of the corporation. The signature of Pierre Le Roy at the bottom of Basile Le Roy's apprenticeship contract is proof of this.

In 1747, Basile Le Roy - an orphan - was apprenticed to Joseph Quétin, Master Watchmaker in the Paris Corporation, with the backing of Pierre Le Roy. Pierre died heirless in 1785, the year in which (Basile)-Charles, the son of Basile Le Roy, founded the company in the Palais-Royal.

In 1828, Charles-Louis joined his father in the company, henceforth known as "Le Roy & Fils". In 1854, the first Le Roy boutique was opened in London under the name "Le Roy & Sons" at 296 Regent Street followed by a second at 57 New Bond Street. By Appointment "Watchmakers to Queen Victoria", a title bestowed in person by Her Majesty in 1863. A few years later, the Emperor of Brazil and Her Majesty Queen Isabelle II of Spain would confer the same honour on the company.

Louis Leroy was born in 1859, eldest son of Théodore-Marie Leroy, who was a manufacturer of chronometers, Watchmaker to the Navy and decorated with the Légion d’Honneur. Louis joined the House of Le Roy in London before transferring to the Parisian workshop. He became an associate in the business in 1888 and finally took it over completely in 1889, changing the company name to "L.Leroy & Co".

I URGE YOU ALL TO BID AT THE AUCTION 

The auction will take place on 7th November 2015, in Geneva.

No auction fees will apply and all your monies go to the charity.

You must register at least 24 hours beforehand to bid online, by telephone, or as absentee.

You can also bid in person at Phillips Auction offices in Geneva, New York, London and Hong Kong.

The webpage to register is below  [remove the spaces before and after the colon symbol]

http : //www.phillips.com/buysell/buy

Good Luck!

MTF

[EDIT:  Movement serial number changed to P001]