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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Watchmaker's lathe

Boley Watchmaker's Lathe in Fitted Timber Case

Partially verified

According to the auction listing, this item is a vintage German-made Boley watchmaker's lathe housed in its original fitted timber case alongside a large number of components. The lathe bed measures 26 cm in length, and the timber case measures 38 cm in length. The interior is fitted with custom wooden blocks and a perforated tray accommodating the lathe bed, headstock with pulley, tailstock, and various tooling accessories including collets and step chucks.

Open fitted timber case containing the Boley watchmaker's lathe, headstock, tailstock, and assorted collets and chucks
Open fitted timber case containing the Boley watchmaker's lathe, headstock, tailstock, and assorted collets and chucks — Bargain Hunt Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Tool · Watchmaker's lathe
Maker / attribution
Boley
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
6889
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Germany

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

Identity and Machine Specification

The lot is catalogued by the auctioneer as a vintage German-made Boley watchmaker's lathe. The auction description specifies that the lathe bed measures 26 cm in length.

Visual observation indicates that the lathe bed is mounted in the rear portion of the fitted timber case, equipped with a headstock, drive pulley, and tailstock assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vintage Boley German made watch makers lathe”
  • “bed is 26cm L”
  • “Lathe bed is mounted in the rear portion of the wooden case, equipped with a headstock, drive pulley, and tailstock assembly.”

Case Construction and Tooling Inventory

The lathe is housed in a fitted timber case measuring 38 cm in length, accompanied by what the auction listing describes as a 'large number of components.'

Observation of the lot shows that the case is constructed from timber with brass hinges, a stay support, and exterior catch plates. A perforated wooden tray in the foreground accommodates rows of collets, step chucks, and small tool fittings.

Evidence for this section
  • “in original fitted timber case”
  • “with large number of components”
  • “case is 38cm L”
  • “Case is constructed from timber with brass hinges, stay support, and exterior catch plates.”
  • “Perforated wooden tray in the foreground holds rows of collets, step chucks, and small tool fittings.”

Auction Identification and Operating Condition

Specific manufacturing dates, model designations, and individual serial numbers are not recorded in the auction listing. Physical lot identification is visible in an adhesive label numbered 6889 affixed to the lower front edge of the wooden case.

The auction conditions of sale explicitly stipulate that 'mechanical lots of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order.' Consequently, the operational capability, bearing condition, and concentricity of the lathe spindle are unverified in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Auction lot label numbered 6889 is affixed to the lower front edge of the wooden case.”
  • “mechanical lots of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order.”

Open research questions

  • What specific model stamp or serial number is impressed onto the lathe bed or headstock casting?
  • What is the nominal collet shank diameter (e.g., 6 mm or 8 mm) and thread specification of the tooling fitted in the tray?
  • Are all collets, chucks, and accessories original Boley products or later additions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Boley Watchmaker's Lathe in Fitted Timber Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBoley“Vintage Boley German made watch makers lathe”
Bed Length26 cm“bed is 26cm L”
Case Length38 cm“case is 38cm L”
Case TypeFitted timber case“in original fitted timber case”
Auction Lot Number6889“Lot 6889 : Vintage Boley German made watch makers lathe”

Visible details

  • Lathe bed is mounted in the rear portion of the wooden case, equipped with a headstock, drive pulley, and tailstock assembly.
  • Perforated wooden tray in the foreground holds rows of collets, step chucks, and small tool fittings.
  • Case is constructed from timber with brass hinges, stay support, and exterior catch plates.
  • Auction lot label numbered 6889 is affixed to the lower front edge of the wooden case.

Research qualifications

  • Mechanical condition and working order are not tested or guaranteed by the auction house.
  • Specific model numbers and complete original accessory inventory are not detailed in the listing.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Vintage Boley German made watch makers lathe,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 12aa83b7e9

Terms in this record

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

Other watchmaker's lathe records