Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Watchmaker's lathe

Wolf, Jahn & Co. 6 mm Watchmaker’s Lathe and Accessories

Partially verified

This early 20th-century 6 mm watchmaker's lathe is attributed by the auction source to Wolf, Jahn & Co. of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Constructed from steel and brass fittings, the tool rests horizontally inside a hinged wooden storage box fitted with perforated accessory blocks. The set includes a stepped-pulley headstock, a tool rest or tailstock runner, a three-jaw chuck, and various step chucks and arbors. The auction house notes the set is in fair condition and is incomplete, lacking certain original components.

Wolf, Jahn & Co. 6 mm watchmaker's lathe mounted inside its fitted wooden box with assorted chucks and accessories
Wolf, Jahn & Co. 6 mm watchmaker's lathe mounted inside its fitted wooden box with assorted chucks and accessories — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Tool · Watchmaker's lathe
Maker / attribution
Wolf, Jahn & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
68
Source-reported date
early-20th century
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

Object Identity and Attribution

This horological tool is identified as a 6 mm watchmaker’s lathe constructed of steel and wood, dating to the early 20th century. It is presented within a wooden storage case.

The auction source attributes the manufacture of the tool to Wolf, Jahn & Co., based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Evidence for this section
  • “Horological tool 6 mm. watchmaker’s lathe; steel and wood”
  • “Year early-20th century”
  • “Brand Wolf. Jahn & Co, Frankfurt A/Main (Germany)”
  • “Steel, 6 mm. watchmaker’s lathe in its wood box with some accessories signed Wolf. Jahn & Co.”

Structural Configuration

The tool includes a lathe bed, a stepped-pulley headstock, and an adjustable T-rest or clamping support. The set is stored in a hinged wooden case.

The case interior contains a perforated wooden insert for accessory storage. Observations note the presence of a three-jaw chuck, various stepped collets or discs, and small turning accessories, as well as remnants of paper label residue and handwritten pencil notations on the wooden rim.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cylindrical lathe bed bar mounted with a stepped-pulley headstock and an adjustable T-rest or clamping support”
  • “Perforated wooden accessory insert containing a scroll or three-jaw chuck, multiple stepped collets/discs, and small turning accessories”
  • “Hinged wooden storage case with brass hardware and remnants of paper label residue on the inner lid”
  • “Handwritten pencil notations visible on the wooden rim inside the lid”

Condition and Status

The lathe is classified in 'fair' condition. The auction catalog describes the set as incomplete, noting the lack of certain original components.

The item is sold on an 'as is' basis, with the auction house disclaiming guarantees regarding the functionality of the mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 4-29 Fair Lacking elements”
  • “incomplete”
  • “The lots are sold “as is””

Open research questions

  • What specific accessories were originally included in a complete Wolf, Jahn & Co. 6 mm watchmaker's lathe set?
  • Can the specific location of the 'Wolf, Jahn & Co.' signature be verified on the lathe components?
  • Do the handwritten pencil notations in the lid refer to a specific inventory or collet measurement system?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wolf, Jahn & Co. 6 mm Watchmaker’s Lathe and Accessories
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Tool Type6 mm. watchmaker’s lathe“Horological tool 6 mm. watchmaker’s lathe; steel and wood”
MakerWolf. Jahn & Co, Frankfurt A/Main (Germany)“Brand Wolf. Jahn & Co, Frankfurt A/Main (Germany)”
Dateearly-20th century“Year early-20th century”
ConditionFair, lacking elements“Case: 4-29 Fair Lacking elements”
Auction Result325 CHF“Sold: CHF 325”

Visible details

  • Hinged wooden storage case with brass hardware and remnants of paper label residue on the inner lid
  • Cylindrical lathe bed bar mounted with a stepped-pulley headstock and an adjustable T-rest or clamping support
  • Perforated wooden accessory insert containing a scroll or three-jaw chuck, multiple stepped collets/discs, and small turning accessories
  • Handwritten pencil notations visible on the wooden rim inside the lid

Research qualifications

  • Auction catalog describes the tool set as incomplete with lacking elements
  • The maker's signature is reported by the cataloguer but is not legibly visible in the overview photograph

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

Consulted source

Horological tool 6 mm. watchmaker’s lathe; steel and wood | Only Online Auction – A Watchmaking Workshop | Geneve, October 1, 2020

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record f82cf521d3

Terms in this record

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

Other watchmaker's lathe records