Though not inexpensive (there just aren't as many good brace manufacturers around as there used to be), these are good-quality braces and is exceptional for hand control driving both round- and hex-shank bits.

Manufactured in France, the brace is sturdy and well finished, and operates smoothly with a ball-bearing head.

The driving action can be set with the brace locked for non-ratchet action or set to ratchet action in either clockwise or anticlockwise direction. 

Three Jaw Option

The three-jaw chuck, knurled for grip, accepts round shanks from 7/64" to 19/32" (2.78 to 15.08mm) in diameter and all standard hex-shank bits.

It also has the usual square-taper socket for conventional auger bits.

It has a composite head and grip. The arm has a 10" (250mm)  sweep.

Two Jaw Option

It is designed for use with bits that have square-taper Jennings Pattern tangs with short shanks (such as spoon bits, reamers, socket adapters, etc.), but also works with regular auger bits and round shanks from 3/16" to 11/32" (4.76 to 8.73mm) .

It has a composite head and grip.