Steampunk-Style Circular Assemblage Brooch

This item is a circular assemblage brooch, approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter, created in a 'steampunk' or 'upcycled' aesthetic using various vintage horological components. The base appears to be a perforated metallic plate or filigree, decorated with circular-cut colorless rhinestones. Prominently featured on the surface are several watch parts: a larger circular champagne-colored dial marked 'Bervais-Pinard Electronic' with raised gold-tone numerals, a smaller square Waltham watch dial with an inner chapter ring, and various exposed mechanical movement plates (bridges), gears, and wheels. One movement section shows visible ruby jewels, a common indicator of quality in mechanical watches. The materials include various metals (steel, brass, and gold-tone plating) and glass or crystal accents. The construction involves a layering technique where individual vintage components have been adhered to a central frame surrounded by a twisted rope-style border of alternating silver and gold tones. Condition-wise, the item shows significant intentional and age-related wear, including patina on the metal surfaces, missing hands on both watch dials, surface scratches, and grime buildup within the perforated base. The 'Electronic' marking on the main dial suggests a mid-20th-century origin for the donor parts, while the assembly into jewelry is likely a more modern decorative creation from the 21st century.

I have examined the digital representation of this circular assemblage brooch. My assessment indicates a modern 'steampunk' decorative piece composed of mid-20th-century horological salvage. The presence of a 'Bervais-Pinard Electronic' dial and a vintage Waltham square dial suggests the donor parts date from the 1940s to 1960s. The construction utilizes a perforated brass base and a mixed-metal twisted rope border. While the movement plates exhibit attractive ruby-jewel bearings, the parts are non-functional and serve purely as aesthetic elements. The condition is consistent with upcycled art; the intentional patina, missing hands, and surface grime are standard for the genre. However, from an investment standpoint, the market for assemblage jewelry is saturated. Value is derived from the artisanal arrangement rather than the intrinsic metal or gemstone content. Similar comparables on primary craft marketplaces typically realize between $40 and $80 depending on the artist's reputation. A primary limitation of this appraisal is the inability to verify the adhesive quality or the base metal composition via digital images. In-person examination would be required to ensure structural integrity and to test for precious metal content (such as gold-filled components), which could marginally increase the value. Furthermore, a physical inspection would confirm if any 'rhinestones' are actually paste or higher-quality glass. Without provenance or a signature from a recognized jewelry artist, this item remains an attractive but commercially common piece of contemporary folk art.