Lederer - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Lederer, founded in 2020 in Saint-Blaise (Switzerland) by master watchmaker Bernhard Lederer, focuses on pure chronometry and on revisiting the very roots of the mechanical escapement. The brand targets independence-minded enthusiasts who value precision, rate stability and a restrained aesthetic serving singular movement architectures (Innovation Prize at the 2021 GPHG for the Central Impulse Chronometer).

Central-impulse escapement with twin remontoirs

At the core lies the “Central Impulse” escapement that channels the spirit of Breguet’s natural escapement and George Daniels’ Independent Double Wheel, adapted for the wrist via two escape wheels driven by two distinct gear trains and a remontoir d’égalité on each; the goal is to deliver direct, steady impulses to the balance while improving restart behaviour and rate constancy. The kinematics draw on a modern take of John Harrison’s remontoire to smooth the torque seen by the regulator.

Central Impulse family: 39 mm, InVerto and Observatory Chronometer

The line-up builds clear variations on a single technical bedrock, ranging from discreet instrument-watches to didactic pieces that expose their organs; each iteration showcases the twin-train logic and central impulse without compromising legibility.

• Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer — signature model: dual trains, twin remontoirs, and two figure-eight seconds displays that illustrate the architecture on the dial.
• Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer InVerto — movement flipped to the dial side for a “mechanics-on-show” effect.
• Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer 39 mm — downsized 2024 case bringing the optimised escapement to an easier daily format.
• Lederer Observatory Chronometer — “triple-certified” series (Besançon, Glashütte, and the Geneva Chronometric Observatory) emphasising official timekeeping performance.

Saint-Blaise manufacture and AHCI roots

Based in Saint-Blaise, the manufacture leverages MHM SA (Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie et Micromécanique) in the canton of Neuchâtel to engineer and produce movements and components for the brand and third parties; this setup gives Lederer end-to-end control from development to assembly in the tradition of precision watchmaking. The founder, an AHCI member since 1985, brings a technical culture shaped by restorations, complex clocks and behind-the-scenes collaborations before returning under his own name.

Positioning, pricing and reach

Lederer sits in independent, chronometry-driven haute horlogerie, with limited runs (historically as low as 25 pieces) retailed via selected partners and direct channels; published prices place certain references in the six-figure CHF range (e.g., Central Impulse Chronometer) and higher for observatory-grade series. Output remains measured (not disclosed), and core clientele seek a benchmark-style watch where movement architecture outweighs ornament.

Conclusion

Lederer suits collectors who put precision and mechanical coherence first, with a quiet style that lets the kinematics speak (dual trains, remontoir, central impulse). For refined daily wear, look to the 39 mm Central Impulse; for an open-stage demonstration, the InVerto; for formal performance credentials, the Observatory Chronometer. GPHG recognition underpins the project’s credibility, but your choice should reflect preferred legibility, size and intended use. To validate these pointers with ownership experience, rely on Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)