A Brief History of Gay Frèr: Bracelet Kg | Bob's Watch Rolex Blog

Contents:

• GAY FRèR – THE BRACELET BROTHERS
• HISTORIL PERSPECTIV GAY FRèR, MUCH MORE THAN A SIMPLE MANUFACTURER OF WATCH BRACELETS
• GAY FRER JEWELRY
• GAY FRèR — THE MOST IMPACTFUL PARTS SUPPLIER OF ALL?
• GAY FRER LADR BRACELET - CART BEFORE THE HORSE
• A BRIEF HISTORY OF GAY FRèR
• GAY FRèR : L’ART & LA MANIèRE NCEVOIR S BRACELETS ACIER
• GAY FRER
• GAY FRER BRACELET

GAY FRèR – THE BRACELET BROTHERS

Zenh, eager to highlight the revolutnary new El Primero movement wh a distctive look, hired teemed third party bracelet manufacturer Gay Frèr to create a one of a kd new style for the watch and the famo “ladr bracelet” was born. They weren’t brothers but the bs remaed a strong fay ncern throughout s lifetime and was fact beg n by scendants of Jean-Pierre, brothers Jacqu-Hubert and Jean-Franis Gay durg the 1970s.

HISTORIL PERSPECTIV GAY FRèR, MUCH MORE THAN A SIMPLE MANUFACTURER OF WATCH BRACELETS

Whilst the horology-foced aspects are what make Gay Frèr (GF) as famo as they are, the artisan jewellery that they ma the 1960s and 70s is some of the most sought after by llectors. This utilarian bracelet n be seen as an early eratn of the Oyster bracelet, which was signed by Gay Frèr wh Rolex and is still today one of both brands’ (Rolex and GF) most inic and endurg creatns. Intertgly, the trend towards stals steel s the 1930s allowed Gay Frèr to prosper as this metal is nsirably harr to craft than gold, and therefore requir a lot of specialized craftsmanship, fely one doma where Gay Frèr had special expertise.

When the foc of certa manufacturers shifted toward creatg chronographs and other profsnal watch the 1960s and 1970s, Gay Frèr opted for new signs, and prented pani such as Her wh a beads-of-rice bracelet flanked wh Oyster-like fold lks. Gay Frèr was ed born a chaiste, the French word for a pany that manufactur chas for pocket watch (and margally for jewelry, a trend om the 16th century that eventually me back three centuri later and culmated wh the fashn of the pendifs the 1920s).

GAY FRER JEWELRY

While prec necklac and bracelets ma a natural extensn, Gay Frèr also offered the other classil jewelry ems cludg rgs, one even featurg the ram that n be found on the clasp of s watch bracelets. A look at the yearly talogs om the prtig exhibn Montr Et Bijoux Genève is extremely revealg: Gay Frèr always exhibed some sophistited necklac and ornate bracelets, and never any of the more "mon" watch bracelets that was manufacturg mass quanti at the time (for that was attendg the Basel tra show). In talkg wh prev Gay Frèr employe now craftg impossibly th bracelets for Piaget, we got to disver that was the jewelry piec which had shaped their skills and allowed them to e up wh more advanced watch bracelets afterwards.

This jewelry appears much ls at ctn, at least wh the Gay Frèr provenance highlighted, probably bee is ls distctive than the bracelets wh their strikg GF markgs (the other known mark is the number 32 drawn a key).

Yet, our opn they would be as tertg a tch as any rare watch bracelet, bee they tell so much about how Gay Frèr beme the preement maker of watch bracelets the 20th century, highlightg aga a lk between jewelry and watch that is too often ignored. While lookg for the most stylish antique or vtage Gay Frer jewelry to pair wh your ensemble, you’ll fd that Gay Frer diamond jewellery & watch, om our ventory of 3, n add a particularly distctive touch to your look. There were other pani that manufactured metal bracelets for wristwatch; however the novative signs of Gay Frèr, along wh the pany’s nsistently strong build, qualy and craftsmanship, earned them the dtry’s top spot.

GAY FRèR — THE MOST IMPACTFUL PARTS SUPPLIER OF ALL?

Stals steel is signifintly harr and more difficult to shape than gold, and nsequently requir a level of expertise craftsmanship that only a few pani at the time (other than Gay Frèr) would have been able to supply, let alone manufacture on a large sle. Due to their unrivaled expertise and experience manufacturg watch bracelets om stals steel, Aumars Piguet approached Gay Frèr for the tegrated bracelet on their now-inic Royal Oak. While was Gay Frèr that manufactured the very firsts metal bracelets for Rolex durg the 1930s, thgs would ultimately e full circle for the legendary bracelet maker 1998, when Rolex purchased the historic pany as part of an ongog effort to acquire past suppliers and vertilly tegrate all aspects of their productn procs.

GAY FRER LADR BRACELET - CART BEFORE THE HORSE

Possibly the most imprsive feature about Gay Frèr was the pany’s abily to produce a seemgly endls variety of wonrful and distct bracelet signs that would perfectly pliment an impossibly diverse range of wristwatch. Throughout their long and illtr history, Gay Frèr manufactured bracelets for everythg om nservatively signed drs watch of the 1950s, to chunky and overtly sporty chronographs om the 1970s. Some of the most tertg and ventive signs the outer orb of horology, have manifted themselv the form of bracelets, om the classic ‘40s Gay Frèr beads of rice, to the ever-reliable Oyster om Rolex.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GAY FRèR

Though most might remember Gerald Genta’s sketch as the ceptn of the signs, Aumars Piguet and Patek Philippe had to work closely wh Gay Frèr to ensure that the ias uld bee a realy. After the Bonklip and the Oyster, Gay Frèr began to form relatnships wh other big watchmakg ho Swzerland, like Vacheron Constant and Patek Philippe, who were based jt around the rner om them Geneva.

Creatg bracelets om solid piec of steel, tak a lot longer wh specialised knowledge, that means n be hard to fd top qualy, solid steel vtage bracelets, unls they e om a prtig hoe such as Gay Frèr.

Often found on Zenh’s El Primero mols the ’60s and ’70s, ladr bracelets (supplied by renowned bracelet manufacture Gay Frèr at the time) have bee an in due to their unique appearance and distctive character.

GAY FRèR : L’ART & LA MANIèRE NCEVOIR S BRACELETS ACIER

HisCategory1990s Swiss Contemporary Clip-on EarrgsMaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold, EnamelGay Frer 1960 Paris Fele Enamel and Wood Bracelet 18kt Gold wh RubiBy Gay FrerLoted Miami, FLFel bangle bracelet signed by Gay Frer.

Betiful statement piece, created Paris FranceCategoryVtage 1960s French Mornist BanglMaterialsRuby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, EnamelGay Frer 18 KT Yellow Gold Panther Earrgs wh. Digned by Gay FrerCategory1990s European Contemporary Clip-on EarrgsMaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow GoldGay Frer 1970 France Enameled Leopards Bracelet In 18Kt Gold Emeralds & CoralBy Gay FrerLoted Miami, FLLeopards bracelet signed by Gay Frer.

GAY FRER

Betiful chic piece, created Paris France, back CategoryVtage 1970s French Mornist Cuff BraceletsMaterialsCoral, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, EnamelGay Frer 1950 Paris-Geneva 1950 Retro Stardt Explosn Necklace 18Kt GoldBy Gay FrerLoted Miami, FLImprsive Stardt necklace signed by Gay Frer. A rare and one-of-a-kd sculptural vtageCategoryVtage 1950s French Post-War Choker NecklacMaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow GoldGay Frer 18ct Gold And Ebony Wood Stalln Head Bangle Cir 1970sBy Gay FrerLoted London, GBAn 18ct gold and woon stalln’s head bangle by Gay Frer c. 1970s, the open by-pass style bangleCategoryLate 20th Century Swiss BanglGay Frer - Earrgs wh by, hemate and diamonds 18k yellow goldBy Gay FrerLoted The Hague, ZHGay Frer - 18 kt yellow gold earrgs set wh by, hemate and brilliant cut diamonds.

GAY FRER BRACELET

50 ctCategoryVtage 1970s French Morn Clip-on EarrgsMaterialsHemate, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow GoldGay Frer 48 Grams Platum and 32 Grams 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lk BraceletLoted New York, NYFound Geneva 1835 Gay Frer was the most renowned metal worker of the 20th century.

Excellent ndnCategory20th Century French Retro BraceletsMaterialsDiamond, Whe GoldSixti French Anchor Cha Gold BraceletBy Gay FrerLoted Lchfield, CTCir 1960s, 18k, by Gay Frer, France. This phenomenal 18k yellow gold bracelet is the epomeCategoryVtage 1960s French Lk BraceletsMaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow GoldBueche Girod Ladi Yellow Gold Carved Wood Ln’s Head WristwatchBy Bueche GirodLoted Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAThe piece bears French hallmarks and appears to be om the Gay Frer llectn, although isCategoryVtage 1970s Wrist WatchMaterialsEmerald, Yellow GoldRolex Two Steel and Rose Gold wh Origal Dial and Ladr Bracelet om 1942By RolexLoted Long Beach, CA seldom see this mol such origal ndn. It is is fted wh a perd Gay Frer Ladr, orCategoryVtage 1940s Swiss Art De Wrist WatchRolex Steel Classic "Bubble Back" wh Origal Dial and Ladr Bracelet, 1949By RolexLoted Long Beach, CA Thunrbird Mached Bezel and lastly, has a rare and origal Ladr Bracelet by Gay Frer.

It n alsoCategoryVtage 1940s Swiss Mornist Wrist Watch1945 Rolex Platum Diamond Set Le Tennis Style Jubilee Bracelet WatchBy RolexLoted New york, NY bracelet supplier, Gay Frèr, also monly celebrated for producg many of Patek Philippe’s mostCategoryVtage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist WatchMaterialsDiamond, Whe Diamond, PlatumRecent SalGay Frer NecklaceBy Gay FrerLoted Lchfield, CTCir 1910s, 18k, Gay Frer, Geneva wh French Import Marks. This 62 ch long 18k yellow goldCategoryVtage 1910s Swiss Cha NecklacGay Frer Long Gold Filigree NecklaceBy Gay FrerLoted Lchfield, CTCir 1920s, 18k, Gay Frer, Swiss wh French Import marks.

This tritely signed gold chaCategoryVtage 1920s Swiss Art De Cha NecklacGay Frèr Lapis Lazuli and Gold ChaBy Gay FrerLoted Amsterdam, NL each set wh two lapis lazuli panels cross set, wh an visible lock, signed: Gay Frèr, FranceCategoryVtage 1970s French Lk NecklacMaterialsLapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k GoldGay Frer Wood and Gold Leopard BangleBy Gay FrerLoted New York, NYAn 18 karat yellow gold, enamel, by and ebony leopard bangle by Gay Frer, France. Cir 1960CategoryVtage 1960s French BanglGay Frer Leopard Diamond Emerald Brooch Earrgs Yellow Gold SetBy Gay FrerLoted Holland, PA18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Leopard Brooch and Earrgs Set.

Wh 34 roundCategoryVtage 1970s French Drop EarrgsMaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 18k GoldGay Frer Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Elephant Hair, Onyx & Ruby Panther NecklaceBy Gay FrerLoted Beverly Hills, CAGay Frer Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Elephant Hair, Onyx & Ruby Stoir Necklace Vtage. Here is yourCategoryVtage 1970s French Pendant NecklacMaterialsOnyx, Ruby, Yellow Gold1970s Gay Frer Rams Head and Horn BraceletLoted Ccnati, OHA Charmg French bracelet by Gay Frer.

The rved horn bracelet wh a 1" x 1" sapphire eyedCategoryVtage 1970s BanglMaterialsBlue Sapphire, 18k Gold1970s Gay Frer Paris Ruby Gold Horn Bangle BraceletBy Gay FrerLoted San Anton, TX18kt.

CategoryVtage 1980s French Choker NecklacGay Frer Carved Ram’s Head Black Bone Gold BraceletLoted Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAAn inic sign renred strikg tail and wh masterful skill, bg rved black bone wh heavily hand textured 18 karat yellow gold. CategoryVtage 1980s French BanglAsprey Platum and Gold Ke Shaped Rg wh Onyx and DiamondBy Gay FrerLoted Amsterdam, NL: Asprey, Wh French mastermark for Gay Frèr, wh French export marks for Platum and 18 rat goldCategoryVtage 1980s French Fashn RgsMaterialsOnyx, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, PlatumRolex Rose Gold Datejt Pie Pan Dial Oyster Chronometer Wristwatch Ref 1601By RolexLoted Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA gold Datejt, ref. ThisCategorySwiss Wrist WatchCartier Seven Band Try BraceletBy CartierLoted Lchfield, CT), 750 for 18k, Cartier, Paris, Registratn Number 112575, and goldsmh's mark for Gay FrerCategoryVtage 1960s French BanglHorse Heads Bracelet Articulated Ebony and Silver GiltLoted PARIS, FR of each other on the wrist.

Vtage bracelet, the spir of the hoe Gay Frèr for Herm, 1960CategoryVtage 1960s French Morn BanglChic 1950s Gay Frer Gold BraceletBy Gay FrerLoted Lchfield, CTCir 1950s, 18k, by Gay Frer, Genève, Swzerland. This chunky eighteen-karat gold bracelet hasCategoryVtage 1950s Swiss Lk BraceletsMaterials18k Gold, Yellow Gold1980s Gay Frer Gold lk NecklaceBy Gay FrerLoted Lchfield, CTir 1980s, Gay Frer, France.

This polished eighteen-karat yellow gold necklace by Gay Frer isCategoryVtage 1980s French Lk NecklacGay Frer Gold Leo Zodiac Pendant French Cir 1970By Gay FrerLoted Ccnati, OHGold Ln head pendant by French Jeweler, Gay Frer. The 2" ( whout bale) 18k yellow gold lnCategoryVtage 1970s French Mornist Pendant NecklacArt De Gay Frèr Gold Lk BraceletLoted Miami Beach, FLGay Frèr ma this betiful 18k gold bracelet durg the Art De Era (Cir 1920's).

Attributed to GayCategoryVtage 1980s French BanglMaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow GoldEterna Stals Steel Eternamatic Super Kon Tiki Wristwatch cir 1960sBy EternaLoted Miami Beach, FLEterna stals steel Eternamatic Super Kon Tiki wristwatch wh Gay Frer bracelet.

CategoryVtage 1960s Swiss Wrist WatchGAY FRERES Gold and Ivory Conontg Lns French NecklaceBy Gay FrerLoted New York, NYA wonrful necklace by the French jeweler Gay Frer 18k gold wh ivory. The motif ofCategoryVtage 1970s French Cha NecklacGay Frer Conontg Ln Heads 1970s Gold and Horn NecklaceBy Gay FrerLoted New York, NYGay Frer French 18k gold necklace signed as two nontg ln heads joed by a gold rgCategoryFrench Choker NecklacGay Frer 18K gold and ivory leopard head braceletLoted Southampton, NYDouble leopard head bracelet of 18K yellow gold and black enamel on an ivory bangleCategoryVtage 1960s French BanglFrench Gold and Ivory Conontg Leopard Head BangleBy Gay FrerLoted New York, NY Gay Frer who was known for producg betiful jewelry of this nature wh tiger and leopard motifsPatek Philippe 18K PG Calatrava mol ref 96 cir 1950'sBy Patek PhilippeLoted Wt Hollywood, CAPatek Philippe 18K PG Calatrava mol ref 96 cir 1950's wh heavy 18K PG wi brick lk GaysCategoryVtage 1950s Wrist WatchFrench Gold & Green Chalcedony Lk BraceletLoted New York, NY for Gay Frèr, and French assay mark for 18kt gold, cir 1965. Srce and tertgCategoryVtage 1950s Swiss Wrist WatchPatek Philippe Yellow Gold Ntil Automatic Wristwatch, Ref 3700/3JBy Patek PhilippeLoted Beverly Hills, CA origal Gay Frer bracelet, ep hallmarks on the se and seback and a geo ep blue dialCategoryVtage 1980s Swiss Wrist WatchMaterialsDiamond, 18k GoldFrench Gold, Ivory & Diamond Ln Cuff BangleLoted New York, NY mark for Gay Frèr, .