Watchmaker to the Naval Ministry since 1835, L.Leroy equipped the most prestigious civil and military fleets in Europe until the end of the 1980s. The company is there- fore perfectly qualified to offer a line of contemporary products destined to perpetuate this tradition of excel- lence in chronometry. By definition, a marine chronometer must offer a highly legible display of information and guarantee perfect stability of precision timekeeping, even in adverse conditions that may persist for long periods.

Precise indication of the hour, minute and second, maintained since a reference point of departure, is absolutely critical because it alone enables experienced navigators (who also use celestial observations) to determine the vessel’s longitudinal position very accurately. In short, reliability and the clarity of displayed information are the essential characteristics of an on-board chronometer (real “life insurance” for sailors) considering that a difference of one second in the time can alter the calculated position by almost 500 metres.

with large seconds and power reserve indication
Automatic Calibre L.511

The calibre L.511 developed and produced by our Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux is an example of our timekeeping expertise. Its exceptional finishing highlights the regulator (balance with 4 gold regulating screws) and the energy transmission (a revolutionary “StruTech” -blanked, anchor escapement in silicium with a diamond coating), fixed and protected by two endpieces in “poli-noir” steel. Its grained-champlevé finish is firmly contemporary, discreetly echoing the design of the famous movements for marine chronometers produced by L.Leroy throughout the 20^th century. It is also highlighted by the guilloche of the central oscillating weight in gold.

The chronometer information, Indicated by fine, mild-steel hands, is clearly displayed in the refined design of the traditional dial, enhanced by a hand-crafted guilloche applique.

As for the case, its robust, imposing style evokes the design of the on-board “à cardan” chronometers. A special system of fixing the bezel avoids the need for screws on the back. Offering greater possibilities for decoration or personalisation while still ensuring water-resistance to 100 m.

Available in pink-tinted or white gold, marine cases are fitted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, making the dial highly legible and revealing all the beauty of the movement through the back of the watch.

Each chronometer is individually numbered in a consecutive series that includes all the marine watches the company has produced in its long, extraordinary history. Certified by the prestigious Besançon Observatory, it is stamped with the “Viper’s head” and is delivered to its owner accompanied by its official control certificate.

Public price : 24,900 € available at Dubail

Thanks to the Maison Dubail (place Vendôme).

Thierry Castagna / La Cote des Montres™
Photos Luc Virginius