A wondrous c.1950s Leonidas ‘Pre-Heuer’ 18 carat rose gold chronograph
A Swiss brand, merging with Ed Heuer & Co in the 60s to become Heuer-Leonidas SA and later to be sold to Technique d’Avant-Garde (TAG) to become Tag-Heuer, Leonidas was a major player in the production of chronographs and aviation instrumentation from the mid 1930s through to the 60s
This excellent example features a silvered dial decorated with rose gold art deco Arabic numerals, matching ‘leaf’ hands and central chronograph seconds hand, running seconds and chronograph minute sub dials, an outer dial Tachymeter scale and a minute track
The 18k rose gold case remains in good condition with signs of wear commensurate with age and use
The gold case back is stamped with 18 carat fineness stamps as well as the profile of Helvetia, the female personification of Switzerland and the country’s hallmark for 18k gold. Underneath this gold caseback ‘mount’ is a protective base metal back
The chronograph functions smoothly
The original acrylic glass is in good condition
Fitted is a new brown pressed leather strap
The unsigned manual wind movement (likely Venus Cal.170) runs smoothly and keeps good time
Case width - 38mm
Lug to lug - 44mn
Lug width - 19mm
Strap length including head - 24cm
