Buchanan and Laing (Prima Finds)

Description

A rare Swiss made early 20th century purse watch by Vertex and with the added retailers mark in the dial for Mappin, this sterling silver manually wound vintage purse watch is a lovely, fully working, example of a purse watch. In the art deco style this model has a pleasing action with a sliding front cover which, when opened, releases the hinged inner case – the latter springing upwards to a fixed, angled position this places the watch in an ideal position for viewing when placed on a desk or bedside. The front, back and sides of the case all have a decorative engine-turned decoration. There is a loop to the top of the case allowing the watch to be attached to a fob chain.

The face of the dial is unusual, the numbering is in a solid art deco style Arabic numeral filled in with what appears to be silver, the 6 is replaced with a seconds dial in a square printed frame sectioned in 10 second quadrants with a smooth sweeping single hand motion. The main watch hands are decorated in a yellow enamel with black highlights. there is black outer minute track on the face.

Marks: Assay and import marks for London 1934 , watch face marked Mappin beneath the 12 and Vertex above the seconds dial. In addition to the silver hallmarks is the London mark for the vertex company V.W. Ltd

Vertex was a brand name of the Swiss firm Fabrique D’Horlogerie Thommen SA. but was registered both in London and Switzerland

Technical details
Vertex manually wound movement, lever escapement, 15 jewels, compensation balance,
sterling silver inner case hinged into an outer engine-turned silver case, the front cover sliding open to reveal the dial and inner casement
case, dial and movement signed

Measurements
42.5mm x 30.5mm case closed excluding loop
25.5mm inner case width
70mm case open max length
9mm depth to centre of covers

Condition: This is in full working order and every element of the watch works as it should, including the slide and spring. There is signs of use, and we have been fair in our photographs to show the watch as is. It has had a light non abrasive surface clean, we have not attempted any further restoration to an as new condition, it has patina and is honest rare example of this model and retailers option
Buchanan and Laing Galleries are a private client business. Appointments can be made by arrangement via email.

The Company is a distance selling business and as such abides by all current HM Government consumer regulations that apply to pre-owned, second hand, antique items sold online.

We welcome purchases from all over the world, however, we do not take any responsibility or pay for import charges and taxes that non UK purchasers may accrue.