Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 173
Vacheron Constantin and Verger Freres
Purse-watch, “a volets”; 18K yellow gold
Purse-watch, “a volets”; 18K yellow gold
EUR 3,000 - 5,000
USD 3,600 - 6,000 / HKD 27,700 - 46,200
Sold: EUR 3,900
Fine and rare, 18K yellow gold, manual-winding, rectangular-shaped, pursewatch,
with two covers, silver colour dial; made under the invention patent of
Verger France, Paris; so-called “montre à volets”.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Vacheron Constantin, Geneva
Model “montre à volets”
Year 1929
Movement No. 407 722
Case No. 11 403 (by Verger France, Paris)
Caliber RA11 N art
Dimensions 37 x 48 mm
Weight 94.7 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial and movement (by the maker); case (by the jeweller)
Accessories Extract from the Archives; copies of the invention patents
Notes
Verger Frères, Paris (France), “montres à volets”
The purse-watches with covers, known as “montres à volets” (flap watches), created in 1928 by Verger Frères, Paris (France) – Henri-Louis and Georges-Albert, sons and successors of Ferdinand Verger (1851-1928), French goldsmith, jeweller and inventor – are the subject of several patents:
French invention patent No. 656 483, applied for on June 16, 1928, issued on January 2, 1929, published on May 8, 1929, for an “Etui ouvrant pour montres ou autres articles” (Opening case for watches or other articles).
British invention patent No. 313 868, delivered on August 25, 1928, published on September 26, 1929, for an “Improvements in Opening Cases for Watches or like Articles”.
These watch cases, made in their Parisian workshops, are usually sold to Vacheron Constantin, Geneva, a manufacturer with whom the Vergers have often worked. One piece is also known to have been sold to Audemars Piguet, Le Brassus, Vallée de Joux (movement No. 43 747, case No. 11 228), and two were sold to Patek Philippe, Geneva (movement No. 192 437, case No. 12 267; movement No. 192 438, case No. 12 268).
They are also equipped with movements produced by LeCoultre, Le Sentier, Vallée de Joux. These watches – like some Vacheron Constantin – often carry the signatures of famous retailers: Charlton & Co., New York; Gübelin, Lucerne; Mauboussin, Paris; Tiffany & Co., New York; Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris; etc.
The purse-watches with covers, known as “montres à volets” (flap watches), created in 1928 by Verger Frères, Paris (France) – Henri-Louis and Georges-Albert, sons and successors of Ferdinand Verger (1851-1928), French goldsmith, jeweller and inventor – are the subject of several patents:
French invention patent No. 656 483, applied for on June 16, 1928, issued on January 2, 1929, published on May 8, 1929, for an “Etui ouvrant pour montres ou autres articles” (Opening case for watches or other articles).
British invention patent No. 313 868, delivered on August 25, 1928, published on September 26, 1929, for an “Improvements in Opening Cases for Watches or like Articles”.
These watch cases, made in their Parisian workshops, are usually sold to Vacheron Constantin, Geneva, a manufacturer with whom the Vergers have often worked. One piece is also known to have been sold to Audemars Piguet, Le Brassus, Vallée de Joux (movement No. 43 747, case No. 11 228), and two were sold to Patek Philippe, Geneva (movement No. 192 437, case No. 12 267; movement No. 192 438, case No. 12 268).
They are also equipped with movements produced by LeCoultre, Le Sentier, Vallée de Joux. These watches – like some Vacheron Constantin – often carry the signatures of famous retailers: Charlton & Co., New York; Gübelin, Lucerne; Mauboussin, Paris; Tiffany & Co., New York; Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris; etc.