Leroy In Paris

This important Empire-style mantel clock, dating from the 19th century, is a remarkable testament to the pinnacle of French horology during the Napoleonic era. It is the work of the prestigious firm Le Roy et Fils, founded in Paris in 1785 by Basile Charles Le Roy, a leading figure in European horology, who later partnered with his son, Charles-Louis Le Roy. Together, they established a horological dynasty whose reputation extended far beyond the borders of France. During the 19th century, Le Roy et Fils became one of the preferred suppliers to the imperial and royal courts. The firm counted among its most illustrious clients Napoleon I, his sister Princess Pauline Bonaparte, the Duke of Bourbon, as well as numerous representatives of the European aristocracy and intellectual elite. The creations of Le Roy et Fils were renowned for the exceptional precision of their movements, as well as for the impeccable quality of their bronze work, the richness of their ornamentation, and the perfect balance of their proportions—key characteristics of the Empire style. Based in Paris, the firm quickly established its international reach by opening a showroom on New Bond Street in London, one of the most prestigious addresses of the time. This success culminated in a unique distinction: Le Roy et Fils was the only foreign watchmaking firm to obtain a British royal warrant during the reign of Queen Victoria, an exceptional recognition of its technical and artistic excellence. This clock perfectly illustrates the Empire aesthetic, inspired by classical antiquity and imbued with solemnity, rigor, and majesty. A prestigious object as much as a mechanical masterpiece, it embodies the expertise of a legendary firm and represents a choice piece for any discerning collector or for a refined interior with a historical bent.