Leonidas Oversized Steel Step Case Millitary Style Chronograph Black Dial Valjoux 22, 1940s

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Founded in 1841 by Julien Bourquin in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Leonidas built a strong reputation for precision chronographs, stopwatches, and military timepieces. In 1964, the brand merged with Heuer to form Heuer-Leonidas—combining forces and expanding their presence in the world of aviation and military chronographs. This partnership would go on to produce icons like the Carrera and Autavia, and play a role in the development of the groundbreaking Calibre 11 automatic chronograph in 1969. This example takes us back to the 1940s—a proper oversized chronograph at 39mm, and one that immediately stands out. The case features the rare and desirable so-called “step case,” with a clearly defined ridge between the bezel and mid-case, giving it a more technical, almost industrial look. Details are spot on. Pump pushers, a clean screw-back case, and proportions that just work. The dial leans heavily into that military aesthetic. Bold Arabic numerals, a snail track, and an outer telemeter scale—used to measure distance based on the time between a visible event and the sound reaching you, often associated with artillery use. Whether officially issued or not, it has all the right cues. Two sub dials handle the chronograph functions, while the leaf-style hands—without lume—keep the look sharp and balanced. Inside, you’ll find the legendary Valjoux 22—a hand-wound chronograph movement known for its reliability and crisp operation. It has been serviced by our watchmaker and is ready to go. Paired with a Bulang & Sons leather strap, this is one of those watches that just works—full of character, with the kind of presence you don’t come across every day. A proper vintage chronograph with all the right details—get in touch! Specifications: Leonidas Millitary style Chronograph 39mm Steel step-case, with snap back case-back Case number 53xx Dates to the 1940s Black dial with two-register black dial, multi scales Leaf style hands Valjoux 22 movement Movement number 21x Comes on pictured Bulang and sons leather strap Fully serviced by our watchmaker