LEONIDAS 1960s DAY/DATE S/S WATCH
£975.00
Description
Simple complications. Clear and well balanced.
Item description: 1960s Leonidas stainless steel watch complete with day / date and day of month indicators. The watch with stainless steel case, and with champagne dial with raised golden latin hour numbers. The dial with Leonidas name below the 12, and two windows directly below the name for the day & month. These are set via two independent pushers either side of the crown.
In addition to the hands, a third red hand shows the date. This is set from a pusher at the 10.o clock position of the case. Immediately above the 6.0 clock position is a 60 second sub register. reverse has a polished press-fit case-back. The 17 jewel movement with steel bridges and a Leonidas marked main wheel. Fine regulation, and balance with screw in weights. The watch with a tan leather strap with stainless steel non-branded buckle.
Size: 43mm x 34mm
Condition report: The watch in very good to excellent condition. Dial original and excellent condition. Movement clean and functioning (no warranty implied). The timepiece may have been opened, so it should not be used near moisture or water without being checked by a qualified watchmaker.
Background to Leonidas: The Leonidas Watch Company was founded in 1841 by Julien Bourquin in Saint-Imier. In 1912, Leonidas was purchased by Constant Jeanneret-Droz, one of the three sons of the Excelsior Park founder Jules Frédéric Jeanneret. Undoubtedly, this is the reason Leonidas would become known for its high quality chronographs, and watches with complications, as Jeanneret-Droz was passionate about them, and had expertise in those areas.
During the 1930s, Leonidas continued to specialise in high quality chrongraphs, many of which were supplied to the armed forces during World War II. The German navy in particular bought in many Leonidas chronographs. During the war years, and immedtaly post-war Leonidas also manufactured instruments used in the automotive and aerospace areas.
In 1964 Leonidas merged with Ed. Heuer, and after the merger, watches coming out of the Leonidas factory bear the dual name ‘HEUER LEONIDAS’. After Heuer became TAG Heuer, the name Leonidas disappeared.
Provenance: n/a
Ordering: shop@jensenmuseum.org or telephone: +1694-781354
