RARE ERNEST BOREL "COCKTAIL" BROOCH, CA. 1950

SOLD

Here is a rare and unique example of a bow-shaped brooch watch, which was popular in the 1950s.

The case was specially manufactured for Ernest Borel in Pforzheim, a German city historically known as the “City of Gold” due to its unique concentration of manufacturers of high-quality jewelry and fine watch components. The inscription “Americ Metal” (American Metal) on the case back refers to a technical process of the time that denoted a particularly thick and durable laminated gold plating. 

The manufacturer can be identified by the small diamond-shaped hallmark visible on the bottom of the box. This logo, consisting of a marine anchor surrounded by the letters R and W, is the official trademark of the Rodi & Wienenberger manufactory. Founded in 1885 in Pforzheim by Eugen Rodi and Wilhelm Wienenberger, the company began as a jewelry and silverware business before expanding its operations in 1929 to include the creation of watch cases and refined metal bracelets.

Rodi & Wienenberger has become a global leader in its field, thanks in large part to its mastery of double-gold plating (the technical process of applying precious metal coatings). The company has also made its mark on the history of watchmaking through its major technical innovations, notably as the creator of the famous expandable metal bracelets under the “Fixoflex” brand.

An atypical and rare piece.

Manufacturer: Ernest Borel
Model: N/A
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1950
Materials: Metal and gold-plated
Dimensions: Width 55 mm, Height 50 mm
Movement: Mechanical movement, Ernest Borel
Box/papers: None