One of the many exciting unveilings at this years Geneva Watch Days, was the Osmior Bar du Temps Tourbillion Minute Repeater.
Now a client to Remontioire 68', this historic powerhouse has a complication piece for us to marvel over. To fully appreciate this piece and this brand, we must understand its origins and legacy.
Founded in 1785 by Charles Leroy, the company was quickly recognised for its precision chronometers and timepieces for historical figures. After surviving the French Revolution, Leroy became the clockmaker for Napoleon I and his family. Also providing pieces for other prominent names in our world history such as Marie Antoinette, Henri Matisse and Queen Victoria. The brand became an iconic name, associated with European royalty, renowned for their precise marine chronometers and ability to blend artistic design and technological innovation into their watches. Bringing us to a particular piece, the historical tact watch, made by Leroy in 1810 for Prince Emil Maximillian Leopald August of Hesse. This watch now serves as inspiration for modern creations, including the minute repeater.
The Bal du Temps 'minute repeater' boats a 43mm tambour shaped case, also featuring a proprietary hand wound calibre movement with two of watchmakings most renowned intricacies; a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater.