Bal du Temps

Description

L.LEROY is returning to the forefront of Haute Horlogerie with the OSMIOR “BAL DU TEMPS”.

Timepieces crafted by L.Leroy, the esteemed Maison that was established in Paris in 1785 by Charles Leroy, have spanned the centuries, bestowing their distinguished owners with unparalleled elegance and distinction.

BAL DU TEMPS is part of the Osmior collection, characterised by classic aesthetic codes. It is a model that features complications of the highest technical level, such as the Tourbillon and the Minute Repeater, which will be produced in limited quantities and manufactured exclusively for L.Leroy in Geneva.

These new creations are the beginning of a new era for L.Leroy, whose desire is to keep its glorious past alive while fully respecting the brand's DNA. Great attention is therefore paid to the aesthetic canons that define it, the exquisite finishes that enhance its fascinating beauty and the intricate mechanics with their impressive complications.

A refined and unmistakable aesthetics

The case: sinuous lines define its classic allure

The case is crafted from noble metals such as 18K 5N red gold. It has a diameter of 43 mm and a height of 13.57 mm (including the domed sapphire crystal), which is a moderate thickness considering the movement's complications.

With a polished surface and a “tambour” shape, a signature feature that immediately identifies the Osmior collection, it is distinguished by its flat, recessed case middle in relation to the bezel and the case back. The lugs are chamfered and slightly flared, with rounded ends. The crown is engraved with the polished, interlaced double 'L' of the Maison's logo, which stands out against the sandblastedsurface. Grooved notches around the circumference facilitate the grip when winding the watch and setting the time.

But the meticulous attention to detail does not stop here.

Various measures have also been taken with regard to the ring that secures the sapphire antireflective crystal to the rear of the watch. While the outer perimeter is flat, the inward-facing part has domed segments, interrupted by the positioning of the six fixing screws. These portions have been created using the embossing method. Bordered by a polished profile and a sandblasted surface, they display polished relief engravings that define the watch's identity.

The case of the BAL DU TEMPS is water-resistant up to 3 atm and a black or brown alligator strap with large scales and tone-on-tone stitching secures it to the wrist. The inner lining is also made of alligator leather, but with small scales. The exclusive design for the folding buckle, in materials matching the case, consists of the double “L” logo which is positioned inside the ring, thereby giving it an original style.

The Dial: a delight for the eyes

The dial becomes the stage on which the play is performed. The title of the play is BAL DU TEMPS, written and directed by L.Leroy.

This sophisticated piece pays homage to its historical heritage and the tradition of Swiss high-end watchmaking, with every detail accurately designed to meet the highest standards of this art.

The open worked dial is a veritable hymn to micro-mechanics, showcasing the intricate mechanics equipped with the prestigious Minute Repeater and Flying Tourbillon devices, the latter visible at 6 o'clock.

Only highly qualified watchmakers can design and assemble these two complications to perfection, resulting in perfectly harmonious sounds and excellent chronometric precision.

In addition, an intriguing detail immediately demands attention: the display features a single hand, that of the hour, while the minutes are indicated by an exquisite acoustic mechanism, known as the Minute Repeater, which is activated by a slide located at 9 o'clock. A time reading that is not totally new for the Maison, which is inspired by the historic “a tact” watch made for Prince Emil Maximilian Leopold August of Hesse around 1810 and which has already been the subject of a recent timepiece produced by the brand.

L.Leroy is keeping this “fil rouge” alive!

The sunray-finished hour ring features applied Arabic numerals reminiscent of L.Leroy's historical pieces. Each case material adopts a different colour, endowing each watch in the collection with its own unique identity. Anthracite grey, against which the gilded numerals and hour hand stand out on the 18K5N case version.

At the centre of the dial, levers and gears move in perfect harmony to fulfil the mission for which they are intended. These components have been refined to perfection. A number of these elements are satin-finished, while others are polished. The plate is embellished with circular graining, and the screw heads are polished.

Superbly crafted, the flying tourbillon cage at the 6 o'clock position completes a full rotation in one minute and is adorned with a bridge bearing the interlaced double “L”, the House's symbol. Made of shiny titanium, it has bevelled and polished profiles and is fixed by white gold screws and pillars.

The combination of the many elements gives dynamism, depth, and a personality all its own to this masterpiece of time, which is offered in three variants. They showcase the exceptional expertise of the watchmakers and artisans while preserving the brand's heritage with an eye to the avant-garde spirit of the 21st century.

A valuable mechanics with great complications

At the heart of the new BAL DU TEMPS lies the L601SQ calibre, featuring two of the most noble watchmaking complications: the Minute Repeater and the Tourbillon, which is a flying one in our model.

The L610SQ calibre

The high-performance engine that powers this remarkable piece is a hand-wound movement, the calibre L610SQ, made up of 321 parts, produced exclusively in Geneva. It beats at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and is equipped with a unique barrel guaranteeing a power reserve of no less than 90 hours.

It features a minute repeater mechanism on two gongs, which is activated on demand via the slide at the 9 o'clock position. Once activated, the time indication becomes audible. The hours, quarters and minutes are differentiated by distinct chimes, emitted when the two hammers strike the two gongs. The hammers are beautifully displayed on the case back, in the positions that mark the hours from 10 to 12 o'clock on the dial. They boast exquisite finishing, with mirror polishing on the surface and anglage on the bevelled edges.

The harmonious dance of the flying tourbillon cage, which performs a complete rotation in one minutethereby optimising the timekeeping precision, is a visual delight for the eye. Composed of 76 parts, it is embellished with the logo-shaped, polished titanium upper bridge.

This complex movement, elegant in its architecture, features a refined single rhodium-plated bridge with bevelled and polished edges that contrast with the hand-finished frosted surface, enlivened by the touch of colour provided by the visible rubies.

This extraordinary timepiece is a true collector's item that invites connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike to experience this new chapter in L.Leroy's prestigious and ever-evolving history.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.