Golay Fils & Stahl Chronometer Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1914
This Golay Fils & Stahl chronometer pocket watch, serial number 32095, is a precision timepiece designed for observatory trials. Produced around 1914, the 52 mm silver watch features a 20-ligne rhodium-plated movement finished with fausses côtes decoration.
The movement includes a straight-line lever escapement, 21 blue sapphire jewels, and a Guillaume compensation balance equipped with gold temperature and meantime adjustment screws. The timepiece utilizes a blued steel Breguet balance spring with a terminal curve and an index regulator. The watch is distinguished by its history of observatory testing, having achieved a first-class bulletin de marche from the Observatoire de Genève in June 1914 and subsequently receiving a Kew A certificate from the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington in July 1914.
It is accompanied by its original documentation from both testing facilities, which validates its performance accuracy during the early 20th century.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1914
- Type
- Keyless lever chronometer
- Maker
- Golay Fils & Stahl
- Jewels
- 21 blue sapphire jewels
- Balance
- Guillaume compensation balance
- Diameter
- 52 mm
- Case Number
- 32095
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 32095
- Observatory Trial
- Geneva Observatory and Teddington National Physical Laboratory
- Maker / attribution
- Golay Fils & Stahl
Design
- Visible features
- • Silver case construction measuring 52 mm in diameter. • Movement displays fausses côtes decoration and wolf's tooth winding wheels. • Gold-colored crown and bow contrast with the silver case. • Engraved signature visible on the movement plate.
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is powered by a 20-ligne rhodium-plated movement, which incorporates high-grade finishing such as fausses côtes decoration. The mechanical assembly utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and is jeweled with 21 blue sapphire jewels. A prominent technical feature is the Guillaume compensation balance, fitted with gold screws for both temperature and meantime adjustment. Precision is regulated by a blued steel Breguet balance spring featuring a terminal curve and an index regulator. The winding mechanism includes wolf’s tooth gearing, a detail visible on the winding wheels within the movement. According to the provided information, the watch was specifically engineered for the high-precision requirements of early 20th-century observatory chronometer trials.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description classifies the condition of the case and dial as 'good' with slight scratching noted. The case, measuring 52 mm in diameter, is constructed from silver. The watch is signed by Golay Fils & Stahl on the dial, case, and movement. The serial numbers for both the case and the movement are recorded as 32095, confirming that these components are attributed as original to this specific timepiece.
- Observatory Provenance and Documentation
- The historical significance of this chronometer is supported by its certification from two distinct testing bodies. In June 1914, the watch was evaluated by the Observatoire de Genève, where it secured a first-class bulletin de marche. This was immediately followed by a submission to the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, which issued a Kew A certificate on July 30, 1914. The presence of the original paperwork from both institutions verifies the chronometer's performance history.
Identification
- Serial number
- 32095
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description reports the need for an overhaul.
- Research required: The extent of the reported 'slightly scratched' condition on the case and dial is not fully visible in the photograph.