L.Leroy

L. Leroy Minute Repeater

A deligthful and uncommon yellow gold minute repeating wristwatch with enamel dial and hinged lugs. This exquisite Leroy creation represents one of the earliest iterations of minute repeating wristwatch to be offered to the public. Indeed, until WWI, pocket watches were the overwhelming norm for men. Only during the harsh war conditions, were wristwatches re-evaluated for their practicality, and subsequently adopted by the public at large. The present wristwatch dates most likely to the 1920s and, as mentioned, features a minute repeating complication. Powered by a Lecoultre ébauche about 30mm in diameter, it is impossible to overstate the mechanical prowess of the company in realizing such a small repeating movement. Aesthetically, the relatively large polished bezel amplifies the apparent size of the watch well beyond its nominal 32mm, and the hinged lugs are a delightful addition which further adds to the wrist presence of the piece. The strong oxidation of the gold case indicates it has not seen a polishing brush in a very long time, and grants the watch an incredibly charming, warm aura nearly making the metal look like it is pink gold. A real treat for any collector, whether they be more mechanically, aesthetically or historically focused in their pursuit of the passion.