1920s Rare and fine Art Deco 18ct gold rectangular watch with Movado movement, engraved case sides and back, 37mm, Recently serviced.
 
The watch is from 1928 as it bares the London assay office mark for imported gold. The watches strap has a solid 9ct rose gold buckle which also dates to 1928 with the Chester assay office mark. The strap is a lizard skin which is stitched and may be original considering the way the buckle is integrated onto the strap, as well as the gold fixed lugs.
 
This watch encapsulates all of the aspects that make collectors fall in love with Art Deco period pieces. The sophistication of the piece, alongside the considered aesthetic nature of it's design, makes this watch irresistible.
 
This is a high grade watch for the time period, with a Movado movement calibre and a thick, complex engraved 18ct gold case. The movement and this style of thin Banana case, is found in other examples from the 1920s, some of which were retailed by Tiffany & Co. This demonstrates the standing of such a watch in the period.
 
The case is beautiful and well proportioned for the era. Whilst being thin, it is designed to be elegant and long with a case length, without lugs of 37mm. The total lug to lug measurement is 44mm which makes this watch wear across the entire wrist length. The curved nature of the watch means this doesn't just sit on the wrist, it hugs it neatly, making wear effortless.
 
The cases curvature is complemented by the foliage based engraving on the side panels of the case. This is expertly carried out, resulting a clear and detailed finish. The back of the watch also has a highly detailed personal monogram which adds to the clout and prestige of this piece.
 
Inside the case, you can find a calibre from Movado which has been recently serviced. It is marked as being adjusted to four positions, with 15 jewels. The quality of this movement is highlighted, with the jewels being set in gold chatons, a hallmark of Haute Horlogerie in watchmaking. It keeps time to within +35 seconds a day which is very good for the age.
 
Overall, this is an excellent example, with a dial in top condition, in a rare case shape and form, with a high quality Movado movement.
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is in very good condition for the age. All signing and tracks are clean and without wear. It is completely original. The dial tone is silvered and has some areas with darker dirt deposits. There is some marking to the lower corners in particular, but this does not detract from the overall clean condition.
 
Hands:
The hands are original and of the Breguet style with a thermally Blued finish. They are in very good condition.
 
Glass:
The crystal is a custom cut replacement with a bevelled edge. Although not original, it is an excellent match for the watch and is in perfect condition, allowing the clean dial to be enjoyed to it's fullest.
 
Crown:
The crown is original and is in excellent condition with it's sharp coin edge finish.
 
Case:
The 18ct gold case is in very good condition. There are multiple light surface scratches, but no dents, deep scratches or nicks. The engraving is carried out to a very high standard and the foliage design is original to this period and the case. An excellent case, that is thick 18ct gold with very attractive engraving.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of 18ct gold. It has a personal monogram engraved which has been carried out to an exceptional standard. This is a very high quality and pleasing engraving. There are only light surface scratches on the case back, with no deep scratches, nicks or dents.
Overall it is in very good condition.
 
Strap:
The strap is a Lizard strap for fixed lugs, which is stitched. Potentially the original strap. The strap will fit up to a 7.5” wrist diameter. The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference to give a clear idea of the proportions. Comes with circa 1928 solid 9ct Rose Gold buckle.
 
Movement:
The movement is a calibre from Movado which has been recently serviced. It is marked as being adjusted to four positions, with 15 jewels. The jewels are set in gold chatons, a hallmark of Haute Horlogerie in watchmaking. This is the original movement. The movement is in very good condition for its age and with it's service it is keeping very good time.
It has a daily gain of +35 seconds, with a strong amplitude of 330 degrees, with a beat error of 1.1m/s.
 
Case dimensions:
The case is well proportioned for the era. Whilst being thin, it is designed to be elegant and long with a case length, without lugs of 37mm. The total lug to lug measurement is 44mm which makes this watch wear across the entire wrist length.
 
Case width: 16.5mm
Case width with crown: 18.5mm
Case length: 37mm
Case length lug to lug: 44mm
Case Depth: 8mm
Lug width: 13mm