Leonidas Steel Pocket Watch NOS

Analog:Shift is, at its core, a celebration of timekeeping in all its forms—not just wristwatches, but the objects that carried time through pockets, luggage, and daily rituals long before the wristwatch became dominant. Pocket watches, in particular, feel like the connective tissue between classical horology and modern watch culture, and Leonidas occupies a fascinating chapter in that story.

Founded in 1841 in Saint-Imier, Leonidas grew into one of Switzerland’s great industrial watchmakers, best known for chronographs and stopwatches produced at serious scale. Closely tied to the Bourquin and Jeanneret families—and later to Excelsior Park—the brand balanced technical rigor with practical design. By the mid-20th century, Leonidas had become a natural counterpart to Heuer, a relationship formalized in 1964 when the two merged as Heuer-Leonidas. When TAG Heuer emerged in the mid-1980s, the Leonidas name quietly disappeared, leaving behind a deep catalog of purposeful, often overlooked timepieces.

This stainless steel Leonidas pocket watch captures that utilitarian spirit beautifully. Clean, restrained, and built to be used, it reflects the brand’s emphasis on reliability over ornament. Remarkably, this "New Old Stock" example appears never to have been taken out of its box, surviving in near-pristine condition with an overall presentation that feels virtually untouched. Sharp case surfaces, crisp details, and the absence of meaningful wear suggest careful storage rather than use.

Its completeness further elevates the offering. Included are the original box, hang tag, and paperwork, the latter printed with the name Aristo Import Co., a New York–based firm established in 1920 that served as an importer of Swiss-made watches and stopwatches. Though not a retail storefront itself, Aristo supplied pieces that would have been sold through prominent American outlets—adding a distinctly mid-century, New York–centric layer to the watch’s story.

In a world increasingly focused on headline complications and marquee names, a piece like this offers something subtler and more satisfying: history preserved, not reconstructed, and a reminder that the most compelling watches often come with stories hiding in plain sight.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.