
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
A. Golay Leresche Geneva Victorian Diamond Watch – Circa 1880’s
- Maker / attribution
- Unrecorded in source
- Date
- 19th century
- Historical period
- Precision & Scientific Horology (1750 – 1850)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Materials / technique
- diamond
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 5338
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 5338)
- Catalogue title (original)
- A. Golay Leresche Geneva Victorian Diamond Watch – Circa 1880’s (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 5338), this is a pocket watch, made in Switzerland, dated 19th century. The Atlas places it in the Precision & Scientific Horology period (1750 – 1850) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: diamond. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop
Presenting the exquisite A. Golay Leresche Geneva Victorian Diamond Watch, a stunning timepiece that encapsulates the elegance and craftsmanship of the late 19th century. This remarkable watch, dating back to the 1880s, is a testament to the artistry and precision of Swiss watchmaking during the Victorian era. Adorned with meticulously set diamonds, the watch exudes an aura of luxury and sophistication, making it a coveted collector’s item for connoisseurs of fine horology. The intricate detailing and superior craftsmanship are evident in every facet of this watch, from its ornate dial to its elegantly crafted case. As a piece of history, it not only tells time but also narrates the story of an era where opulence and meticulous attention to detail were paramount. The A. Golay Leresche Geneva Victorian Diamond Watch is more than just a timekeeping device; it is a piece of art that reflects the grandeur and refinement of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Victorian elite. This watch is a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal addition to any prestigious watch collection. Whether worn as a statement piece or preserved as a historical artifact, this watch continues to captivate and inspire admiration for its timeless beauty and exceptional craftsmanship. Presenting an original and sought-after antique timepiece from the renowned watchmaker A. Golay Leresche & Fils. This exquisite French pocket watch is a true treasure, adorned with a dazzling array of diamonds. Its undeniable beauty and craftsmanship make it a highly coveted collector’s item. To enhance the allure of this timeless piece, we have created a bespoke 30-inch chain in solid 18k rose gold, complete with a diamond connector. This chain allows for versatile styling options, whether you prefer to wear it long or layer it for a more dramatic effect. The chain, newly crafted in the United States, perfectly complements the elegance and sophistication of the pocket watch. The pocket watch itself is embellished with 281 carefully selected diamonds, including old European cut, old mine cut, and rose-cut diamonds. The total carat weight of these dazzling stones ranges from approximately 5.85 to 6.00 carats. The diamonds showcase a captivating play of color, ranging from G, H, and I to gray, with varying clarity levels from VS2 to I1. The rose gold tone case adds a touch of warm sophistication to the overall design. This extraordinary piece dates back to the 1860-1880s and remains in exceptional condition, both in terms of its dial and movement. Its wide 1-inch diameter and weight of 50.50 grams (gross) add to its substantial presence and luxurious feel. This French Diamond encrusted pocket watch from A. Golay Leresche & Fils is not only a timepiece, but a true work of art. Its allure and elegance make it a cherished possession for any discerning collector or lover of fine craftsmanship. Creator: A. Golay Leresche & Fils Geneva Metal: 18k Gold,Rose Gold,Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Mixed Cut Style: Victorian Period: 1870-1879 Date of Manufacture: Circa 1880’s Condition: Good
Historical context
Precision & Scientific Horology (1750 – 1850)
Harrison solves longitude; Mudge invents the lever; Breguet's Paris workshop defines the modern watch.
From 1750 to 1850 the watch became a precision instrument. Mudge's lever escapement, the cylinder escapement, Lépine's thin bar calibre, Breguet's innovations (overcoil, tourbillon, perpétuelle) and the pocket chronometer of Arnold and Earnshaw all date from this period, while verge watches remained common in cheaper production.
Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Early Modern Horology
Atlas type guide
Pocket watches
The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.
Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.
What to look for
- The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
- Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
- Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
- Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
- Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.
Dating clues
- Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
- Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
- Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre
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