Thin Swiss remarkable gold patinated lever watch Circa 1925

Gold and brown patina Art Deco watch
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A remarkable, thin Swiss 18 carat gold open faced patinated Art Deco pocket watch made by Verger Frères in Paris, circa 1925. Retailed by Grogan Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The rhodium plated bridge movement, by Vacheron & Constantin, is fitted with 18 jewels, eight adjustments, a lever escapement and gold screw compensation balance. The octagonal case is finished with a brown patina; the front bezel and edges on the back feature gold scroll decoration, a further central sunken relief frieze depicting dancers in antique style robes on the reverse, and a white enamelled band and pendant. Black enamel dial with gold Arabic Art Deco hour numerals, decorative centre, and leaf hands. Dial signed Grogan Co. Swiss
Comes with the original presentation box.
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Diameter: 45 x 45 mm
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Weight: 66 g
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Signed: Verger Frères
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This timepiece has been finished with a brown patina normally used for bronze cases, making this gold case an unusual exception.

In the early 19th century, this method was a popular way of making gold ornaments stand out from the background. It was most frequently used in the Orient, Japan and China. During the Art Deco period, this design was called Orientalism or Chinoiserie.

In the 18th century, Europe modelled itself on Chinese art and Chinoiserie was immensely popular then. The enthusiasm for all Chinese things was fed by an interest in exotic and unusual cultures, and the illusion of a gigantic peaceful empire where even the lower classes occupied themselves with literature and philosophy.