Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

New York, Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, Jun 20, 1998

LOT 273

L. Leroy & Cie, 7 Boulevard de la Madeleine a Paris, No. 18203, completed on 21 January 1929. Extremely rare and important 18K gold self winding wristwatch. One of the earliest ever made.

USD 13,000 - 15,000

C. three piece, "navette", polished. D. matt gold with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "feuilles" hands. M. 9 "', rhodium plated, 18 jewels, straight lline lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring. Virtually of the same size as the case, the gold winding weight is pivoted on the side of the movement opposite the crown, and oscillates over a small arc in each direction. A double ratchet comprised of two click levers enable the winding weight to wind the ratchet wheel with each oscillation. Signed on the dial and gold winding weight. Dim. 40 x 25 mm.


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Grading System
Case: 13-35

Slightly damaged

To be restored
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 5-51

Poor

Partially reprinted

Notes

Apparently, two watches only, of this type, were made in the 1920's, both are illustrated in A. Chapuis and E. Jaquet: La montre automatique ancienne. The other one, made in 1922 is now in a private collection. They certainly are the earliest self-winding wristwatches ever made.