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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Glossary · Case & Dial

Gold filled

A case of base metal with a bonded layer of gold, often warranted for a stated number of years.

Explanation

Marks such as '20 year' or '25 year' describe the expected life of the gold layer, not its purity or the movement's quality. Gold-filled cases carry no assay hallmark; wear through to the base metal at the high points is typical and is a condition, not an authenticity, question.