The highest level of French jewellery watchmaking
There are watches and then there are objects of haute joaillerie that happen to tell time.
Let’s start with the name on the dial: Mauboussin. Founded in Paris in 1827, Mauboussin was regarded as one of the absolute pinnacles of French jewellery. Watches were never the focus; they were occasional, almost incidental creations which is exactly what makes them so rare. Jewellery always came first.
The French made 18k yellow-gold case immediately sets this watch apart. This was not a serially produced design, and may very well be unique. One unmistakable design clue gives away its origin: the torsadé, or twisted-rope motif, reinforced by the VF hallmark.
This case was made by Verger Frères — le joaillier des joailliers.
Verger Frères supplied cases to the most prestigious names imaginable: Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Hermès, Vacheron Constantin, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels… you get the picture. This is the very top of the food chain.
To understand the clientele these watches were made for, think of icons rather than collectors:
Joan Crawford, Paulette Goddard, Katharine Hepburn, Claudette Colbert, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Dolores del Río, Anna May Wong, Merle Oberon, Mae West, Sonja Henie and Gloria Swanson — and that list could easily go on.
The watch dates from the late 1960s to mid-1970s and is powered by a Synchron 12 movement, based on the ETA 2512. The Synchron name was used by Cyma, a brand known to have collaborated with Mauboussin, delivering reliable, workhorse calibres inside jewellery-grade creations.
This example has been fully serviced and remains in worn but beautiful condition. It shows signs of a previous life, while retaining all crucial details: French eagle hallmarks, the concentric brushed caseback, and even the original 18k gold torsadé buckle.
Do you see yourself as the next Katharine Hepburn or her modern-day male equivalent?
This is not just a watch. It’s a statement of taste, history, and highest level of elegance.
(Watch strap incoming)
————
Brand: Mauboussin by Verger Frères
Model: “Torsadé”
Reference: -
Year: 1969-1976
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 23mm x 32mm diameter (without crown)
Crystal: Acrylic
Caliber: Cyma Synchron 12
Bracelet/Strap: Original Torsadé (twisted-rope) buckle in 18k Yellow Gold
The highest level of French jewellery watchmaking
There are watches and then there are objects of haute joaillerie that happen to tell time.
Let’s start with the name on the dial: Mauboussin. Founded in Paris in 1827, Mauboussin was regarded as one of the absolute pinnacles of French jewellery. Watches were never the focus; they were occasional, almost incidental creations which is exactly what makes them so rare. Jewellery always came first.
The French made 18k yellow-gold case immediately sets this watch apart. This was not a serially produced design, and may very well be unique. One unmistakable design clue gives away its origin: the torsadé, or twisted-rope motif, reinforced by the VF hallmark.
This case was made by Verger Frères — le joaillier des joailliers.
Verger Frères supplied cases to the most prestigious names imaginable: Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Hermès, Vacheron Constantin, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels… you get the picture. This is the very top of the food chain.
To understand the clientele these watches were made for, think of icons rather than collectors:
Joan Crawford, Paulette Goddard, Katharine Hepburn, Claudette Colbert, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Dolores del Río, Anna May Wong, Merle Oberon, Mae West, Sonja Henie and Gloria Swanson — and that list could easily go on.
The watch dates from the late 1960s to mid-1970s and is powered by a Synchron 12 movement, based on the ETA 2512. The Synchron name was used by Cyma, a brand known to have collaborated with Mauboussin, delivering reliable, workhorse calibres inside jewellery-grade creations.
This example has been fully serviced and remains in worn but beautiful condition. It shows signs of a previous life, while retaining all crucial details: French eagle hallmarks, the concentric brushed caseback, and even the original 18k gold torsadé buckle.
Do you see yourself as the next Katharine Hepburn or her modern-day male equivalent?
This is not just a watch. It’s a statement of taste, history, and highest level of elegance.
(Watch strap incoming)
————
Brand: Mauboussin by Verger Frères
Model: “Torsadé”
Reference: -
Year: 1969-1976
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 23mm x 32mm diameter (without crown)
Crystal: Acrylic
Caliber: Cyma Synchron 12
Bracelet/Strap: Original Torsadé (twisted-rope) buckle in 18k Yellow Gold
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