Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the captivating 'bras-en-l'air' complication, a whimsical and intricate double retrograde display where human figures or other elements indicate time with their 'arms.' This article highlights the historical evolution of this unique horological art form, from its 18th-century origins in pocket watches to notable 20th-century examples by Vacheron Constantin and Verger Frères. Emmanuel's meticulous research and curated images offer a rare glimpse into these fascinating timepieces.
Since my
double thread dedicated to the
double retrograde complication (
Part 1 &
Part 2), I've been wanting to highlight its ‘
bras-en-l'air’ (‘arms up’ or ‘arms in the air’) variant, where
hours and
minutes are indicated by
each arm of a
human figure.
The earliest examples of ‘bras-en-l'air’ pocket watches date from the end of the 18th century and, in the 20th century, Vacheron Constantin produced several quite remarkable examples (their first ‘arms up’ movement for a Verger frères pocket watch was created in 1929).
Sometimes, as you will see below, the human figure and its arms have been replaced by other various elements.
The ‘bras-en-l'air’ double retrograde display has also been featured on some wrist watches, but I decided to stick to pocket watches here.
Best, Emmanuel
A/ EARLY EXAMPLES (circa 1790-1820)1/ Chopard Manufacture Museum, Fleurier
2/ Musée des Arts Précieux Paul Dupuy, Toulouse
3/ Circa 1790, enamel dial, sold by Antiquorum 
credit: Antiquorum
4/ Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
credit: @iamcasa
5/ British Museum No. 1958,1201.1797, Anonymous, Swiss, c.1790 
B/ 20th CENTURY EXAMPLES WITH HUMAN FIGURE
1/ Buddha
Verger Frères, made for Grogan Co.
Verger Frères, Retailed By J. E. Caldwell & Co. & Verger France
Verger Frères, Retailed By J. E. Caldwell & Co.
Verger France
credit: Christie's (1 & 3), @roni_m_29 (2) & Ethan Lipsig
2/ Chinese mandarin (Vacheron Constantin)
credit: @thehourlounge & Sjx
3/ Fakir or snake charmer (Vacheron & Constantin, No. 412694, case by Verger Frères, Paris)
credit: Antiquorum
4/ Indian magician or Guru with surahi (Vacheron & Constantin, Ref.11886, No. 412697, case No. 12854, case made by Verger, France. Made circa 1930)
credit: Antiquorum
5/ Joueurs de volant (shuttlecock players) - Vacheron Constantin, Ref. Inv. 10667, 1960
Note that here the two arms belong to two separate people
credit: alain2701 on montresmecaniques.forumactif (1), @thehourlounge (2-3) & iwatchome (4)
C/ 20th CENTURY EXAMPLES WITHOUT A HUMAN FIGURE
1/ Eagle (Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, movement no. 412691, case stamped VF for Verger Frères, no. 12317, retailed by Charlton & Co., circa 1930)
credit: antiquorum (1 & 3), alain2701 on montresmecaniques.forumactif (2), Vacheron Constantin (4) & @Tone_SA_ on reddit
2/ The Fox & the Crow (Patek Philippe ref. 784 conceived and created by Louis Cottier in 1958)
This particular dial is based on Aesop’ fable, later reinterpreted by Jean de La Fontaine. The fox raises its right paw to indicate the hour which is shown on the left-hand sector. Simultaneously, the crow opens its beak, dropping the precious cheese, made in platinum, which in falling indicates the minutes on the right-hand sector.
credit: Patek Philippe (through Collectability)
3/ La Caravelle (Vacheron & Constantin and F. Verger, retailed by Gübelin, 1930s)
credit: Antiquorum
4/ Manhattan or View of New York City (Case and dial signed Gübelin, movement signed Vacheron Constantin, circa 1940)
credit: Phillips (1-4), @goldberger (5) & Antiquorum (6)
