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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless lever chronometer

Golay Fils & Stahl Keyless Lever Chronometer

Partially verified

This keyless lever pocket watch was produced by Golay Fils & Stahl around 1909. Measuring 52 mm in diameter, the timepiece features a nickel-plated case housing a 20-ligne rhodium-plated movement. The mechanical construction incorporates 21 blue sapphire jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. Precision is maintained through a Guillaume compensation balance equipped with gold temperature and meantime adjustment screws, complemented by a blued steel Breguet balance spring with a terminal curve and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The winding mechanism utilizes a wolf’s tooth configuration. The watch is historically significant for having undergone professional certification at two prominent institutions: it received a first-class bulletin de marche from the Observatoire de Genève in November 1909, followed by a Kew A certificate from the National Physical Laboratory in Richmond in January 1910. The original documentation for both trials accompanies the object.

The movement of the Golay Fils & Stahl chronometer resting on the original observatory certificates.
The movement of the Golay Fils & Stahl chronometer resting on the original observatory certificates. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless lever chronometer
Maker / attribution
Golay Fils & Stahl
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
79
Source-reported date
Circa 1909
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
29379

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

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 20-ligne calibre, rhodium-plated and configured with a straight-line lever escapement. It utilizes 21 blue sapphire jewels to reduce friction. The balance assembly is a Guillaume compensation balance, specifically designed for precision chronometry, featuring gold temperature and meantime adjustment screws.

Regulation is facilitated via a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The hairspring is a blued steel Breguet type with a terminal curve, and the winding system employs wolf's tooth gears. The movement is marked with the serial number 29379 and is signed by Golay Fils & Stahl.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 20’’’, rhodium plated, 21 blue sapphire jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “Guillaume compensation balance with gold temperature and meantime adjustment screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring with terminal curve, swan-neck micrometer regulator, wolf’s tooth winding”

Observatory Trials and Certification

This chronometer was subjected to formal testing at two of the most demanding chronometric testing institutions of the early 20th century. In November 1909, it was tested at the Observatoire de Genève, where it earned a first-class bulletin de marche.

Immediately following the Geneva tests, the watch was submitted to the National Physical Laboratory in Richmond, England. On 30 January 1910, it was awarded a Kew A certificate. The original documentation for both trials has been preserved with the watch, verifying its performance history in the first-class category.

Evidence for this section
  • “obtained a bulletin de marche for first class category from November 1909”
  • “submitted to the National Physical laboratory in Richmond where it obtained its Kew A certificate”

Condition and Grading

The auction description provides a grading for the watch components. The nickel-plated case is listed as 'Good' but exhibits slight scratches.

The dial is reported in 'Good' condition. The watch retains its original hands. The item is described as a 'very fine and extremely accurate' chronometer, emphasizing its technical intent as a precision instrument rather than a decorative object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the total production quantity of 20-ligne chronometer movements by Golay Fils & Stahl from this era?
  • Does the specific serial number 29379 appear in any extant observatory archive registers for the 1909/1910 trials?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Golay Fils & Stahl Keyless Lever Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGolay Fils & Stahl, Geneve“Brand Golay Fils & Stahl, Geneve”
Movement number29379“Movement No. 29379”
Movement calibre20'''“Calibre 20’’’”
Balance typeGuillaume compensation balance“Guillaume compensation balance with gold temperature and meantime adjustment screws”
Jewel count21 blue sapphire jewels“21 blue sapphire jewels”
Case diameter52 mm“Diameter 52 mm”

Visible details

  • Wolf’s tooth winding gears visible on the movement
  • Swan-neck micrometer regulator
  • Breguet balance spring with terminal curve
  • Visible serial number 29379 engraved on the plate

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes slight scratches on the case
  • Auction description advises that an overhaul is recommended

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

Consulted source

CHRONOMETER PRECISION WATCH FOR GENEVA OBSERVATORY TRIAL AND RICMOND OBSERVATORY TRIAL.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 65edead78f

Terms in this record

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

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