Le Roy Dial By Le Maire, Circa 1735

Large precision sundial, for the latitude of 49 degrees, used for setting watches and clocks. It is signed: "Invented by Julien Le Roy of the Society of Arts / made by Jacques Le Maire of the Society of Arts in Paris". Good example, placed on four adjusting screws, equipped with a plumb line attached to the large central gnomon. In 1734, Julien Le Roy, then clockmaker to Louis XV, presented a Memoir on a high-precision sundial used for setting and adjusting watches and clocks, in which he described the present dial. The present model is of an early form, without a compass and bears the mention "Invented by Julien Le Roy". Some later examples no longer bear this mention and are simply signed by Jacques Le Maire. Famous dial model, quite important in the history of watchmaking. The dial measures 22 x 17 cm and approximately 12 cm in height. Despite a scratch on the plate (visible in the photos), good general condition.