Notes
Illustrated in 1 ' Univers de Vacheron Constantin, Geneve, p. 405, the
references of this watch in the records of the firm are: 3641-258030,
Bras en fair
Such watches were designed by Verger for the best jewellers of Paris,
after the so called "bras en Pair " watches made at the beginning of
the 19th. century. Similar watches with a Buddha, instead of a
Mandarin, were also made for Van Cleef and Arpels.
Verger, Paris
Two generations of designers and casemakers founded by
Ferdinand Verger in 1872, Place des Victoires a Paris. Ferdinand
Verger had two sons, Georges and Henri.
In 1896 the trade mark "F.V. " was registered. Ferdinand Verger
bought from Roux, the firm of Lepine, Place des Victoires, in 1901
and in 1914 he liquidated the remaining stock to Louis Leroy but
kept the trade mark which was registrated again by him in 1917.
Successors of their father in 1911, Georges and Henri setteled at
51 rue Sainte Anne under the name of Verger France. The Master
Mark became "V.F. " .
They were the agent hi Paris for Vacheron & Constantin. Not only
wholesalers but also designers and case-makers. They produced
cases for the finest jewellers of the world, including Boucheron,
Mauboussin, Ostertag, Tiffany, La Cloche, Cartier, Van Cleef &
Arpels, Giibelin and even Ilauser-Zivy y Cia. in Mexico.
They employed up to 40 craftsmen in Paris, not only jewellers to
produce cases and to fit the movements, but also watchmakers for
adjusting and after sale service of the movements.
Some of their models are very original, such as the so-called "Bras en
lair", made with a figure of Buddhh, of a serpent charmer or of a
Mandarin, the famous " radialeur", often sold as a purse clasp, the
" montres a volel " , produced for Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels,
Boucheron, Mauboussin, Gfibelin and Tiffany and the celebrated
" Montle Cadenas ", specially designed for Van Cleef & Arpels.
The revival of the fasion for dials and cases with painted miniatures
on ivory panels count among theirs great successes.
They also were the creators of magnificent clocks with the dial in
pietra aura and of the outstanding mystery clocks, pride of Cartier
and Vacheron & Constantin, in the 1920 's and 30 ' s.
Irrfbrnurtians kindly provided by M. Jean-Mote Bran, Jeweller in Paris.