Golay Leresche - 1 mm thickness from 1850s

Andrew Babanin

I was shown the slimmest movement I had ever seen. It's a movement of Geneve watchmaker Auguste Golay Leresche.

Its a back plate - you can see it if open a case back. You can notice that the movement is designed in vica versa style. To the left - is a balance index system, to the right - winding system. A small squire under the word "Auguilles" - is to set hands.

It's a pic under the dial. Notice the parasite wheel under the steel bridge in the center - it is made to change direction of hands. Also notice a rack of the index system - it's made to regulate balance rate from the other side. Like any good movement this one has Maltese cross. For that time cylinder escapement was the best one. As to traditional lever escapement - it was new and not so popular.

It is really 1 mm in thickness!

Here there was put a Russian coin just to compare. They are very common in their sizes :)

Unfortunately, the movement has some problems and doesn't work.

Special thanx to Konstantin Chaykin