1975 gay advertisements by jewelry company

When Patek Philippe launched the Golden Ellipse ref. One of the many wonderful reasons for buying vintage Patek Philippe watches is that it is possible to own a watch that has the original, classic chain bracelet at a lower cost of a new bracelet watch today.

Most importantly, the techniques used to make vintage bracelets are lost to the fine art of chain smithing, and to replicate the same standard today would be cost prohibitive. Bracelets started to regularly appear on watches from the late s. Men did not regularly start to wear gold bracelets until the s.

However, folded stainless steel bracelets started to appear for men around the Second World War, in part, because gold became scarce during war time, and because of the usefulness of steel tool watches. In this article, we will look at the manufacturers that Patek Philippe worked with most often to create a bracelet that matched the quality of the watch it supported.

Many watch bracelet manufacturers started as a chainistethe French 1975 gay advertisements by jewelry company for a company that made chains for pocket watches. In the 19 th century, Geneva was renown for the quality of its chainistes but as demand for pocket watch chains started to decrease in the early 20 th century, these companies had to adapt and offer bracelets as well as watch chains.

Most of the chainistes were not able to survive and went out of business. The bracelet makers discussed below are those that adapted and thrived suppling only the finest watch makers of the time. Original watch bracelets made by the chainistes are in a league of their own and are truly works of art unto themselves.

There is a growing appreciation for vintage bracelet watches both because of their unmatched quality, and their value for money. The new bracelet Ellipse ref. An Ellipse bracelet watch from the s or s made by a master chainiste can start around USD 10, By the s and s they became equally famous for their artisan jewelry which is sought after by modern collectors.

The Bonklip was not only comfortable, but extendable and robust. Although not a technically important bracelet to manufacture, it was hard wearing and versatile and became most popular on tool watches, especially for military use. The other bracelet maker that is regarded as the best of the best is Ponti Gennari.

Ponti Gennari was known for its flamboyant style and worked closely with Patek Philippe when it was looking for something special. One of the most iconic Ponti Gennari bracelets is known as the clamshell or lobster tail. It is not surprising therefore that collectors often seek out this venerable bracelet maker.

InPonti Gennari was purchased by Piaget. Jean Pierre Ecoffey specialized in the highest quality of bracelet making. Their work can be identified by a JPE stamp on the clasp. JPE was known for making jewelry and bracelets for Patek Philippe during the second half of the 20 th century.

JPE made the most sophisticated and complicated bracelets for Patek Philippe. So fine were JPE bracelets that they even come up for auction — without the original watch! For example, in MayPhillips auction house in Geneva sold a bracelet made originally for a ref.

Vietnam, historic houses & some spidery sketchbooks …. LGBT History Month at the V&A

Louis Cornu founded his company in specializing in pendant making for pocket watches. By the company started to specialize in the production of lugs for the burgeoning wristwatch industry. Albert Weber started his eponymous company as a jeweler in It also made jewelry for the company, such as the stunning lace design of the diamond bracelet shown above with three round diamonds together weighing approximately 5.