Swiss ultra thin pocket watch with Bagnolet caliber Circa 1850

Gold miniature watch with an eccentric dial by A. Golay-Leresche
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A Swiss gold miniature ultra slim Bagnolet watch with an eccentric dial, circa 1850. The watch showcases a gilt cylinder movement with a female winding square and 10 jewels and is signed A. Golay Leresche à Genève. The gold case is intricately engraved with floral scrolls on both the front and back, with the back featuring a stylized quatrefoil motif accented with blue enamel at the center. The eccentric white enamel dial is adorned with Roman numerals and moon hands and is numbered 1736.
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Diameter: 27.5 mm
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Depth: 3 mm
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Signed: A. Golay – Leresche à Genève
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The movement is unchecked and unable to wind, but the case is in very good condition. The engine turning is crisp and defined, although there is some slight loss of enamel to the motif on the case back. The dial has some damage, with a visible hairline running from six through to twelve o’clock.
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The Bagnolet is a remarkable ultra thin watch featuring a reversed caliber movement, representing a significant breakthrough in horological design. Philippe Samuel Meylan is widely recognized for this innovative creation, achieving the desired flatness by positioning the dials on the back of the movement. Notably, he was the first to house a movement in five franc silver pieces. For further details about the Bagnolet, refer to Eugene Jaquet and Alfred Chapuis’ Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, 2nd edition, 1970, page 151.
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A.Golay – Leresche in Geneva, a Swiss watch manufacturing company, was established in 1837 by David “Auguste” Golay-Leresche. It is believed that Henri Golay may have also been associated with the company. The company specialises in crafting fine dress watches with an ultra flat Bagnolet caliber. In 1841, Auguste Golay formed a partnership with Louis Gunther, but it was dissolved in 1842.

Around 1857, the company was rebranded as A. Golay-Leresche & Fils or Golay-Leresche & Fils. Louis Golay became a jeweller and representative of the company in Paris, while his son Pierre Golay became a watchmaker and later managed the company in Geneva.

After Auguste’s passing in 1895, his sons Pierre and David Louis took over the company and formed a partnership with Edouard Stahl in 1896, leading to a change in the company’s name to Golay Fils & Stahl.