Lot #56: Antique Bertmar Swiss Open-Face Pocket Watch – Rare Canadian "Peoples Jewellers"

Another super cool pocket watch with great story. I wound up the watch and it started working right away . My uncle had an elderly friend (Manny) who would service all his watches. I am not sure of the last time that it was serviced but I would see him pack up all his clocks and watches and bring them to get serviced. The name on the dial isn't a factory location or a Swiss town; it is a testament to family. "Bertmar" was the exclusive premier house brand created by Frank Gerstein, the visionary founder of the iconic Canadian retail institution, Peoples Jewellers (originally Peoples Credit Jewellers). When searching for a name that represented quality, trust, and the future of his legacy, Frank beautifully combined the names of his two beloved sons: Bertrand and Marvin. To own a Bertmar watch is to own a piece of early 20th-century Canadian entrepreneurship and a father's tribute to his family. Design, Features & Case Heritage:Movement Status: Running and functional. The mechanical gears are actively ticking, bringing this historical artifact to life.The Case: Stamped "Guaranteed 15 Years," denoting a premium gold-filled composition. This means a thick layer of real gold was mechanically bonded to the base metal, engineered to withstand a decade and a half of daily wear before ever showing the metal underneath. Historical Marker: Because the Federal Trade Commission banned these specific year-guarantee stamps in 1923, this case stands as an authentic, verifiable marker of early 1920s craftsmanship!Dial & Details: Crisp, high-visibility white enamel face featuring bold, stylized Art Deco Arabic numerals, an exquisite outer diamond minute track, and a dedicated running seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position.Heart of the Watch: High-grade mechanical movement imported directly from Switzerland for Peoples Jewellers—the perfect marriage of Swiss precision and Canadian history.Condition & Provenance:Dating from the 1920s era, this pocket watch presents beautifully with a wonderful vintage patina on its open-face case. Because it is in working condition, it serves as a fantastic functional heirloom or conversation piece for horologists, history buffs, and collectors of Canadian heritage. Pickup category timeslot {A}