Chronograph, Chronometer Leonidas Pilot Bomb Release Chronograph 1901-1949
One-button « return » chronograph wristwatch, produced by Leonidas in 1942 and used by the crew for bombing purposes. The chronograph dial has a bidirectional rotating bezel, connected to a yellow triangular indicator. The hand controlled by the push-button crown at 2 o’clock, each time it is pressed, advances, stops and retreats, performing a « countdown ». The return button at 2 o’clock was used for bombers making a second « pass ». Internally, there is a flight altitude scale, measured in hectometres (hm). In perfect working order in all aspects. Case Dimensions: 50mm net diameter (53mm rear – 57mm wide rotating bezel). The Leonidas company: The company was founded in 1841 by Leonida Bourquin Julien in Saint-Imier. He built many instruments used in the automotive and aeronautical fields and produced exceptional chronograph calibers and seconds timers during the World War II period. In 1964, Leonidas merged with Heuer, which would later become Tag-Heuer, with the demise of the Leonidas brand. The chronograph is in working condition but the front glass is missing.