French gold lever with ‘bras en l’air’ automaton Circa 1930

Kenmerk: SB0302
Diameter: 44 mm

Estimate: € 10.000 - 20.000
Price sold: -

Yellow and white gold ‘bras en l’air’ automaton by Verger Frères
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A French yellow and white gold open faced keyless pocket watch with ‘bras en l’air automaton, circa 1930. Made for Grogan & Co. Manual winding nickel lever movement, stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels. Silvered dial, Arabic numerals, gilt applied figure of a seated Chinese Mandarin pointing to the hours and minutes with his arms when pressing the push piece in the band. Polished case, both bezels with white gold rim, coin edge band, push button, snap on back. Dial signed, movement numbered, case maker’s mark ‘VF’ (Verger Frères).
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Verger Frères
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So called ‘bras en l’air’ watches were invented during the second part of the 18^th century. They enjoyed a successful revival during the Art Deco period. Thanks to Verger Frères (Georges and Henri) who were a renowned case makers and designers working for companies such as Boucheron, Mauboussin, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Gübelin, ‘bras en l’air’ watches became in fashion again. Verger Frères were also the Paris agent for Vacheron & Constantin. Examples of ‘bras en l’air’ watches can be seen in the worlds foremost collections including the Sandoz Collection in The Château des Monts, Le Locle and the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva.

Signed: Verger Frères