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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

A. Golay-Leresche & Fils 18k Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique 18-carat gold half-hunter pocket watch is attributed by the seller to Swiss watchmakers A. Golay-Leresche & Fils, Geneva, dating to circa the 1870s to 1880s. The polished gold case features a central circular glazed aperture surrounded by black enamelled Roman numerals. Source text reports that inside the back cover are Swiss Helvetia 18ct hallmarks, while the hinged case back bears an engraved 'CB' monogram. The white enamel dial is reported to feature blue Roman numerals, blued-steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. According to the listing, the keyless lever movement and case share serial number 16732.

Front view of closed 18k gold half hunter pocket watch showing the case aperture and external Roman numerals
Front view of closed 18k gold half hunter pocket watch showing the case aperture and external Roman numerals — Bushells Antiques via Sellingantiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
A. Golay-Leresche & Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA1195882
Source-reported date
circa the 1870s to 1880s
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
16732

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Exterior Configuration

The object is described as an 18-carat gold half-hunter pocket watch. The exterior front cover features a central glazed circular aperture, which is surrounded by black enamelled Roman numerals.

The case is equipped with a winding crown and a suspension bow. Source text contains conflicting information, with one descriptive segment noting the crown is at the 3 o'clock position, while a separate cataloguer’s note identifies the crown and bow at the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is a plain, highly polished gold half-hunter configuration, allowing partial viewing of the dial when closed.”
  • “The watch operates via a jeweled mechanical, keyless lever movement wound by the crown at the 3 o'clock position.”
  • “a top winding crown with a circular hanging ring sits at the twelve o'clock position.”

Dial and Movement

The internal white enamel dial features a black outer minute track, blue Roman numerals, and blued-steel Breguet-style hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position.

The watch is reported to contain a jeweled, keyless lever movement. The movement plate is inscribed with the maker's name, and the movement plate and inner case cover are both reported to bear the serial number 16732.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white enamel dial features a crisp black outer minute track, blue Roman numerals for the hours, and elegant blued-steel Breguet-style hands.”
  • “A functional subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “The case serial number, 16732, is engraved both on the inner cover and the movement plate.”
  • “The gilded movement plate shows the 'A. Golay-Leresche & Fils, Geneve' inscription.”

Markings and Provenance

The hinged back cover is engraved with a monogram featuring the initial 'CB'. Internal case markings are reported to include Swiss Helvetia head hallmarks, which are cited as certification of the 18ct (750 standard) gold purity.

The maker is identified as A. Golay-Leresche & Fils, Geneva. The production date is attributed to the late 19th century, specifically the 1870s to 1880s.

Evidence for this section
  • “The hinged case back features an intricate, hand-engraved monogram with the dominant initial 'CB'.”
  • “Inside the back cover, official Swiss hallmarks are visible, including the Helvetia head stamp, certifying the 18ct (750 standard) gold purity.”
  • “The watch dates to the late 19th century, circa the 1870s to 1880s.”

Open research questions

  • Are the Helvetia hallmarks consistent with the cited 1870-1880s date range, as the Helvetia head standard was legally defined in 1880?
  • What is the physical orientation of the winding crown relative to the movement and dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Golay-Leresche & Fils 18k Gold Half Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerA. Golay-Leresche & Fils, Geneva“A. Golay-Leresche & Fils, Geneva”
Case Serial Number16732“The case serial number, 16732, is engraved both on the inner cover and the movement plate.”
Gold Purity18ct (750 standard)“certifying the 18ct (750 standard) gold purity.”
Date Rangecirca the 1870s to 1880s“The watch dates to the late 19th century, circa the 1870s to 1880s.”
Dimensions & Weight37mm, 47 grams“Approximate Dimensions & Weight: 37mm 47 grams”

Visible details

  • Polished yellow gold half-hunter front cover with a circular central glazed window.
  • Outer chapter ring on the front lid featuring black enamelled Roman numerals.
  • Fluted winding crown surmounted by a circular suspension bow positioned at 12 o'clock relative to the cover chapter ring.
  • White dial visible through the front aperture, showing hands and partial sub-dial markings.

Research qualifications

  • Movement plates, internal Swiss hallmarks, and rear case monogram are reported by the source seller but concealed in this closed front photograph.
  • The dealer description mentions winding crown at the 3 o'clock position in one paragraph while cataloguer notes and the photo show the crown and bow at the 12 o'clock position.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold: Rare A. Golay-leresche Geneve 18k Gold Victorian Half Hunter | Sellingantiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record b00853cb1a

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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