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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

Gold-filled cases have a thick layer of gold mechanically bonded to a brass core — far more gold than plating, typically marked '10K gold filled' or 'warranted 20 years' (the guarantee period of the bond against wear). American case makers such as Keystone and Dueber produced them in enormous numbers. They are not solid gold and have little scrap value, which is why so many survive.

In the object catalogue

Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Gold filled”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.