Hong Kong, May 29, 2022
LOT 339
A. Golay-Leresche
Lorgnette form-watch; 18K yellow gold
HKD 59,000 - 118,000
EUR 7,000 - 14,000 / CHF 7,400 - 14,700 / USD 7,400 - 14,800
18K yellow gold, key-winding, object in the shape of a lorgnette incorporating a watch with concealed dial.
Cover with a spring-loaded panel engraved in taille-douce (fine cut) with foliate and flower motifs, which opens to reveal the dial; hinged lorgnette released by a catch in the side; gold suspension ring.
White enamel dial with radial Roman numerals; blued steel “Breguet” hands.
Movement, 30.3 x 17.5 mm., rectangular-shaped with cut corners, gilded brass, going barrel, cylinder escapement, monometallic balance (gilded brass) and blued steel flat hairspring, polished steel index regulator.
Cover with a spring-loaded panel engraved in taille-douce (fine cut) with foliate and flower motifs, which opens to reveal the dial; hinged lorgnette released by a catch in the side; gold suspension ring.
White enamel dial with radial Roman numerals; blued steel “Breguet” hands.
Movement, 30.3 x 17.5 mm., rectangular-shaped with cut corners, gilded brass, going barrel, cylinder escapement, monometallic balance (gilded brass) and blued steel flat hairspring, polished steel index regulator.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand A. Golay Leresche, Geneva
Year circa 1850-1860
Movement No. 4 737
Case No. 4 737
Material 18K yellow gold
Caliber 30.3 x 17.5 mm., cylinder escapement
Dimensions 88.1 x 20.5 x 10 mm. (folded)
Weight 41.1 gr. (approx.)
Signature false-plate and movement
Accessories original fitted box, later winding- and hand-setting brass key
Notes
Golay-Leresche, Auguste
David-Auguste Golay (1814-1895), called Auguste, was the son of Jacques-David Golay (b. 1782), originally from the Vallée de Joux, and Susanne-Louise Meylan. The couple settled in Geneva around 1829 with their young son. In 1837, Auguste married Susanne Leresche, who was a “régleuse”, probably working for her father, who was also a watchmaker. He also founded his first firm that same year, juxtaposing his wife’s name to his own, as was commonly done at the time: Golay-Leresche.
In 1841, Auguste Golay took on an associate, Louis Gunther, forming an “établissement d’horlogerie”, called Golay & Gunther, which was to be short-lived, being dissolved in 1842 upon the departure of Louis Gunther. Auguste Golay continued working under his own name, Golay-Leresche, and the firm became quite successful.
The firm’s production was invariably of high quality, and Auguste Golay a shrewd businessman. Exceptional items were frequently entered into the growing number of International Exhibitions, and the company won prizes at the exhibitions of London in 1851, Paris in 1855 and 1878, and in the Swiss National Exhibitions held in Zurich, Geneva, etc.
Following the death of Auguste in 1895, his sons Pierre and Louis took Edouard Stahl into partnership in 1896, and the firm’s name changed to Golay Fils & Stahl, which continues to this day.
David-Auguste Golay (1814-1895), called Auguste, was the son of Jacques-David Golay (b. 1782), originally from the Vallée de Joux, and Susanne-Louise Meylan. The couple settled in Geneva around 1829 with their young son. In 1837, Auguste married Susanne Leresche, who was a “régleuse”, probably working for her father, who was also a watchmaker. He also founded his first firm that same year, juxtaposing his wife’s name to his own, as was commonly done at the time: Golay-Leresche.
In 1841, Auguste Golay took on an associate, Louis Gunther, forming an “établissement d’horlogerie”, called Golay & Gunther, which was to be short-lived, being dissolved in 1842 upon the departure of Louis Gunther. Auguste Golay continued working under his own name, Golay-Leresche, and the firm became quite successful.
The firm’s production was invariably of high quality, and Auguste Golay a shrewd businessman. Exceptional items were frequently entered into the growing number of International Exhibitions, and the company won prizes at the exhibitions of London in 1851, Paris in 1855 and 1878, and in the Swiss National Exhibitions held in Zurich, Geneva, etc.
Following the death of Auguste in 1895, his sons Pierre and Louis took Edouard Stahl into partnership in 1896, and the firm’s name changed to Golay Fils & Stahl, which continues to this day.