French silver and rose gold historical ensemble Circa 1890

Silver and rose gold ladies’ lapel watch by Frédéric Boucheron
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An unusual French historical ensemble comprising a silver and rose gold open faced ladies’ lapel watch with a very fine matching chatelaine, circa 1890. The bridge movement by Vacheron & Constantin, a cylinder escapement and three arm brass balance. White enamel dial with Roman hours, an outer minute track, Arabic five minute numerals and rose gold spade & whip hands. An openwork design ornamented with an applied stylised bouquet of strapwork flowers on the case back. The corresponding five piece chatelaine is decorated to match, the links of which consist of individual stylised central petals connected by a narrow link chain. Cuvette signed. Comes in its original presentation box, monogrammed M.V. and signed Fic Boucheron Joaillier Palais-Royal.
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Diameter: 35 mm
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Weight: 60 g
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Signed: Fic Boucheron 151, 152, 153, 154 Palais Royal Paris
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The Maison Boucheron is one of France’s leading Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewellers headquartered in Paris’ Place Vendôme and has branches worldwide. The company was founded in 1858 in the Palais Royal by Frédéric Boucheron (1830-1902). When he opened his jewellery shop at the Place Vendôme in 1858 he was the first jeweller in the quarter. Frédéric soon became famous for his expert knowledge of precious stones and exquisite creations. Boucheron catered for a wealthy and prosperous clientele and its successes soon allowed the company to branch out to Japan, the Middle and Far East, Moscow and London. Maison Boucheron exhibited in many international expositions such as the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition, the 1889 and 1900 World Exhibitions in Paris, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris. The management of the company, which still trades at the Place Vendôme address, was in the hands of the Boucheron family until 2000, when it was acquired by the current owner, the Artémis Group.