Vertex Open Face Pocket Watch

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A distinguished timepiece for the discerning collector, this Vertex open-face watch combines classic elegance with historical significance.

Encased in a radiant 9-carat solid gold, its polished surface beautifully highlights the traditional open-face design. The gold case, a mark of quality and luxury, promises durability and a timeless aesthetic that will never go out of style.

Presented with its original box and papers, this watch offers a rare opportunity for collectors. The inclusion of these accompanying materials not only verifies its authenticity and provenance but also significantly enhances its value, providing a complete historical record of this exquisite timepiece.

At its heart lies a precise Swiss lever Vertex Revue movement. Renowned for their reliability and accuracy, Swiss lever movements are a hallmark of quality watchmaking. The "Revue" designation points to a collaboration or specific movement type associated with the esteemed Revue Thommen manufacture, indicating a high standard of internal mechanics. This hand-wound movement ensures the traditional interaction between owner and timepiece, a cherished aspect for horology enthusiasts.

This Vertex open-face watch is more than just a time-telling instrument; it is a wearable piece of history, meticulously crafted and preserved. It would make an exceptional addition to any serious watch collection or a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

Vertex was founded in 1912 by Claude Lyons in London's Hatton Garden, though the name "Vertex" was first used by Hirst Bros & Co in 1900 for watches from the Lancashire Watch Company. Lyons specialized in re-casing Swiss movements in Britain.

• Early Production: Vertex quickly gained a reputation for quality. By the early 1920s, Aureole was producing complete watches for them, and by the end of the decade, Vertex became the exclusive importer of Movado watches to the UK.
• Military Contributions: Vertex played a significant role in supplying watches to the British military in both WWI and WWII. 
  • WWI: They supplied "office pocket watches."
  • WWII ("Dirty Dozen"): Vertex was the only British manufacturer among the famed "Dirty Dozen" (12 companies tasked by the British Ministry of Defence to produce robust military watches). They produced 15,000 timepieces of their cal. 59, 15-jewel manual-wind wristwatch. These "W.W.W." (Watch, Wrist, Waterproof) watches are highly sought after by collectors.
• Collaboration with Revue Thommen: Vertex collaborated with Swiss company Revue Thommen to produce a range of "All Proof" watches and later became the exclusive importer of Thommen watches to the UK. Co-branded "Vertex Revue" watches were also produced.
• The Quartz Crisis: Like many traditional watchmakers, Vertex suffered during the "quartz crisis" of the 1970s and closed its doors in 1972.
• Resurrection: In 2015, Claude Lyons's great-grandson, Don Cochrane, revived and re-incorporated the Vertex brand, honoring its heritage with new models like the M100, which pays homage to the WWII Cal 59.

Types and Characteristics of Vertex Pocket Watches:

Vertex produced a variety of pocket watch styles, including:

• Open Face: The dial is fully visible without a cover.
• Hunter: Features a spring-hinged cover that protects the crystal and dial.
• Half Hunter: Has a cover with a central opening, often showing the time through a smaller crystal or with Roman numerals on the cover.
• Case Materials: Commonly found in gold-filled, gold-plated, silver, stainless steel, sterling silver, and 9ct gold.
• Movements: Many Vertex pocket watches feature Swiss-made movements, often with 15 or 17 jewels, like the Vertex Revue Cal. 30 or Cal. 65. They are typically manual wind.
• Dials: Often white enamel with black Roman or Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds dials