Lederer unveils a new watch, the Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer

Geneva Watch Days: August 29 until September 2, 2024.

“A refined design paying tribute to Chronometrie.”

Lederer, an independent Swiss timepiece brand located in Saint-Blaise, near Neuchâtel in Switzerland, has just unveiled the Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer, “a true milestone in the world of horology.”

Lederer was founded by Bernard Lederer, a Master Watchmaker of German origin, who is among the first members of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (Academy of Independent Creators in Watchmaking – AHCI).

Since the past 19 years, Lederer is an “independent manufacturing facility”, possessing “full in-house production capabilities, a rarity in the industry today, reflecting the brand’s commitment to uncompromising excellence and independence.”  Lederer’s carefully chosen machinery and experienced artisans allows them to produce almost “all movement parts in-house, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising precision at every stage of production.”

Each of the 8 Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer timepieces will be certified by “three respected independent Observatories” in Europe. They are:

– Observatory in Glashütte, Germany.

– Observatory in Besançon, France.

– Observatory Chronométrique in Geneva, Switzerland.

“These institutions represent the pinnacle of horological research, each having played a crucial role in advancing the science of timekeeping. Their certifications go beyond typical COSC accuracy tests; they validate the watch’s ability to maintain precision under varied conditions, a testament to the Lederer Observatory Chronometer’s exceptional engineering.”

Key Features

Functions

The Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer’s functions include:

– Central Hours and Minutes.

– Seconds at subdial between 7 and 9 o’clock.

– It has a 2-position crown. Pushed in – manually wind the movement. Pulled out – set the time.

– It features a stop-seconds function for accurate time setting.

Dial

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The second image is of Bernard Lederer.

The Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer’s dial features include:

– Its dial is made from solid sterling silver. It is made in-house at Lederer “using a traditional 19th century process.”  “The dial is treated in several varying processing steps, until it achieves its pure white color, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.”

– The dial contains an encrypted message, “visible to the skilled collector’s eye.”

– Based on the image, the hour, minute, and seconds hand are blued.

– The arrow-shaped tip of the hour and minute hands are skeletonised. The tip of the minute hand features a tiny pointer in the middle more on this below).

– A circle, completed on top by “3 x Certified Observatory Chronometer” divides the inner dial from the outer dial. The “V” in Observatory, is the shape of an iconic symbol, “inspired by the meridian sign reflecting the connection to the legacy of chronometric excellence.”

– The hour-markers are positioned on a scale which is divided into 6 steps (more on this below), between the inner and outer dial. Based on the image, the baton-shaped hour-markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock are applied, and the baton-shaped hour-markers at 1,2, 4, 5, 10, and 11 o’clock appear printed.

– “One of the standout features of this limited series of Observatory Chronometer is the movement of the minute hand, which follows the rhythm of the remontoire d’égalité (constant force mechanism) every 10 seconds. The minute hand’s movement is displayed on a unique scale divided into 6 steps, each representing 10 seconds, culminating in a full minute.”  The tiny pointer in “the middle of the minute hand guides the reading of these 10-second intervals”, which is perfectly synchronised with the rhythm of the remontoir or constant force mechanism.

– A conventional minute scale encircles the outer dial, graduated in increments of 5 minutes each. It features an Arabic numeral every 5th minute (5, 10, 15 and so on.)

– The geographical coordinates of the three independent observatories are engraved on the seconds subdial between 7 and 9 o’clock.

– The outer edge of the seconds subdial is graduated in increments of 5 seconds each, with a baton marker at each 5th second and an Arabic numeral every 10th second (10, 20, 30 and so on.)

– “LEDERER” is displayed at 12 o’clock, and “SWISS MADE” discreetly at 6 o’clock.

Movement

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The Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer’s movement features include:

– It is powered by Caliber 9012, a mechanical manual wind movement, featuring the patented Lederer Chronometer Escapement.

– It has a diameter of 39.3 mm.

– It has a thickness of 5.98 mm.

– It features two independent barrels, two constant-force mechanisms, two independent gear trains and two independent escapement wheels.

– It comprises of 210 components.

– It has 45 jewels.

– It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph or 3 Hz.

– It has a minimum power reserve of 38 hours.

– The calibre features exemplary hand-finishing “from all sides.”  These include “fine satin-finishing; top and bottom surface graining; bead blasting; hand-polished and beveled edges; inner and outer angles; mirror-polished steel components.”

Case, Strap and Buckle

The Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer’s case, strap and buckle features include:

– Its case is made from 904L stainless steel, which is highly corrosion resistant. It is “polished with an exceptional luster.”

– Its case diameter is 44 mm.

– Its case thickness is 12.2 mm.

– On both its dial and caseback side it features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

– “Each of the 8 timepieces is uniquely marked, using the 8 cardinal directions on the Wind Rose: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW, engraved on the back.”

– It is water resistant up to 3 ATM or 30 metres.

– It comes with a soft bovine leather strap with a pin buckle.

Patents

The Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer’s patents include:

– Patent for double wheel escapement with central impulses (CIC).

– Patent for its winding stem.

– Patent for its case construction and design.

Our Thoughts

The term “Chronometer” is frequently used in watchmaking, across a range of brands, from inexpensive to the most expensive. Very few “chronometer” labelled timepieces are genuine chronometers. A handful of mainstream and independent timepiece brands possess the expertise to craft chronometer timepieces. Lederer is among a handful of independent timepiece brands that can do so.

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Based on the image of the timepiece and supporting information, the Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer is an amazing interpretation of a chronometer timepiece. Having a chronometer timepiece certified by any one of the three observatories is special enough. To be certified by all three is truly spectacular. I hope that during the next few days, Lederer will release further images of this phenomenal timepiece, including those of its calibre and caseback. Though expensive and limited to only 8 pieces, the world of horology is a much better place with the Lederer Triple-Certified Observatory Chronometer in it, as it keeps the science and execution of chronometry alive at an exceptionally high level.

Additional Details:

Name: Lederer Observatory Chronometer

Reference: CIC 9012.10.710

Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 146,000 (not including VAT)

It is a limited edition of 8 timepieces. Each timepiece will be delivered with its individual observatory certificates from the Observatory in Glashütte, Germany; Observatory in Besançon, France and Observatory Chronométrique in Geneva, Switzerland.

During Geneva Watch Days, held from August 29 until September 2, 2024, Lederer will be present at Suite 211, at Beau Rivage, Geneva.

Bernhard Lederer is a speaker on a Symposium Panel, titled “Why Chronometry Still Matters Despite Atomic Time?” held on August 31, 2024, at Glass Box, Rotonde du Mont-Blanc, Geneva.

Please visit the Lederer website and Instagram page for more information.

Also Read: https://thecorneaimpression.com/geneva-watch-days-returns-once-again/

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