The Lederer Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer comes with three observatories’ approval and two remontoires
Laura McCreddie-Doak- The patented escapement is unique to Lederer and features two independent barrels, two remontoirs d’égalités, and two escape wheels.
- A second minute track on the dial features each minute divided into six sections, each representing ten seconds that matches the rhythm set by the remontoir.
- Limited to eight pieces, the Lederer Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer is priced at CHF 146,000.
Unless you have memorised the membership list of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) or are particularly up on the list of nominated timepieces for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), Bernhard Lederer might not be a name on your radar. He’s not as well-known as F.P. Journe or Kari Voutilainen, which is a shame because he and his team make exquisite-looking watches with movements that would make Walter Lange weep. His latest is a technical marvel hidden beneath a restrained dial design. A movement that riffs on his love of escapements, taking inspiration from George Daniels’s two-wheel dual impulse version and combining that with Breguet’s natural one (two escape wheels and said to be “natural” because impulses are transmitted directly to the balance).
The starting point for this watch was the Central Impulse Chronometer (C.I.C) Lederer introduced in 2021. It had two escapements, two remontoire d’egalite – a device which takes the form of a spiral spring attached to one of the train wheels and is wound by the mainspring to provide constant force to the escapement ensuring even torque distribution and enhancing precision. This 2024 update is barely unchanged, except now it’s been certified by three separate observatories.
Observatory testing has gone somewhat out of favour but, in previous centuries, it was the way in which watchmakers inspired each other to push the boundaries of timekeeping; something with which Bernhard Lederer is obsessed, as evidenced by his long-term fascination with the escapement. For this Observatory Chronometer three specific observatories were chosen at which to test it – Glashütte for its innovative approach to movement making, Besançon for its expertise in chronometry, and Geneva for its long-standing tradition of excellence. Watches submitted to observatories are tested for accuracy. Unlike Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), it tests complete watches, rather than just movements, taking into account the variables that occur when assembling a complete timepiece.
The dial is made from sterling silver; its snow-white colour achieved using a multi-stage processing technique from the 19th century Lederer learnt during his time at the Wuppertal Watch Museum, near Dusseldorf, during the 1970s. It is wonderfully minimal with the only colour coming from the blued hands and the crisp lines of the black minute tracks. Tracks, plural, because underneath the standard minute marker there is a second scale where each minute is divided into six 10 second segments. A slim pointer contained inside the minute hand tracks the 10-second intervals in a corresponding rhythm to that set by the remontoire. The only extraneous detail is the coordinates on the sub-dial that relate to the three observatories, with Geneva closest to the centre, Besançon in between, and Glashütte on the outer ring.
The movement, however, is the real star. Its construction is beautifully three dimensional. Like viewing a city from above, you can really appreciate its layers. The steel components are mirror polished, whereas others are satin finished, surface grained and bead blasted. The balance wheel is flanked by two independent escapements, each with its own remontoire; something of a signature for Lederer. Only eight will be made and the price tag is a not-inconsiderable CHF 146,000. But if you’re making something this special, the price tag was never going to be democratic, was it?
Lederer Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer availability and pricing
The Lederer Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer is limited to eight piece. Price: CHF 146.000.
| Brand | Lederer |
| Model | Triple Certified Observatory Chronometer |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Silver |
| Bracelet | Calf leather with pin buckle |
| Movement | Calibre 9012 with patented Lederer Chronometer Escapement |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Limited to eight pieces |
| Price | CHF 146,000 |