Labrador Pocket Watch – Fahys Case – High Grade Swiss Lever Movement
 
A very attractive and unusually well-preserved Labrador pocket watch dating from the early 20th century, housed in a quality case by the American case maker Joseph Fahys & Co.
 
Labrador was one of a number of trade names associated with watches produced by Omega during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often intended for particular export markets. While not signed Omega on the dial, these watches are closely connected to Omega’s early commercial history and share many of the characteristics and quality standards associated with the period.
 
The watch is housed in a gold-plated Fahys case, one of the best-known American watch case manufacturers of the era. Fahys cases were respected for their quality and durability and were used by many established watch companies of the period. This example remains in particularly good condition, with no dings, scratches or wear-through to the gold plating.
 
The enamel dial is clean and very well preserved, with crisp Roman numerals in deep black and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. There is a fine hairline crack running from the centre towards the 1 o’clock position, though the watch still presents extremely well overall. Blued steel Poire hands complement the dial beautifully and are fully in keeping with the period.
 
The movement is signed Labrador and is of notably high quality, featuring four double-screwed solid gold chatons together with a swan neck micrometric regulator, details more commonly associated with higher-grade Swiss movements of the time. The movement is clean and runs approximately five minutes slow over 24 hours.
 
Key Details:
 
Early 20th century
Gold-plated Fahys case
Signed Labrador movement
High-grade Swiss lever movement
Four double-screwed solid gold chatons
Swan neck precision regulator
Enamel dial with subsidiary seconds
Blued steel Poire hands
 
An appealing and technically interesting pocket watch, combining a high-quality Swiss movement with an excellent Fahys case and strong overall presentation.
 
A particularly honest example with considerable period charm.