Exquisite 1920s Art Deco Ladies Cocktail watch, Platinum and Diamond, Henry Blank & Co, Tiffany maker, CH Meylan movement
This is an excellent original example of a 1920s ladies cocktail watch, manufactured by Henry Blank & Co, who were a major supplier of Tiffany and Co. It has a very high-grade CH Meylan movement inside. This is a wristwatch of the highest quality in the era, matching the individual design and craftsmanship exhibited by Cartier in the Art Deco period. It is no wonder many Henry Blank watches were sold to Tiffany during the 1920s and 30s. The crescent and arrow mark on the watch indicates it was manufactured by Henry Blank and Co.
The quality of the clarity and cuts of the diamonds is exceptional, whilst the design is unmistakeably Art Deco, with the Geometric plotting and the use of Black Onyx to boarder the diamonds. The Marquis cut diamonds on both hinged lugs are truly the crown jewel of this watch. The watch has been recently serviced and comes on it’s original Silk ribbon, with Platinum Blank and Co buckle, with signed Crescent arrow mark. The watch wears very well with a huge lug to lug measurement of 43mm, whilst the case measures 13mm wide.
The case is crafted from Platinum and is of supreme quality. The central section of the case is rectangular and the front of it is set with milligrain diamonds. There are 40 stones in total surrounding the dial of the watch, Eight of which are cut. On average they measure 1.20mm x 1.20mm. The ends of the main section of the case are set with larger diamonds, 5 at the top and 5 at the bottom. They have a VS clarity and measure 1.90mm x 1.90mm with a depth of 1.20mm, with a total weight of 0.300ct. They are surrounded by black Onyx to create a beautiful boarder. The sides of the case are engraved expertly with the original finish which is seen on many other Blank examples, even Tiffany ones.
The articulated lugs are attached to the case via a hinge on each end. These help create the impressive 43mm measurement in length. They are formed of Platinum and are of exceptional quality. They boast this watches crown jewels, the two Marquise cut diamonds. They have VS clarity and measure 6.10mm x 3.50mm with a depth of 2mm. They have a total weight of 0.540ct. There are 18 other diamonds on each articulated lug. They range from 1.20mm to 1.8mm long, with an average lenth of 1.50mm and a width of 1.50mm. In total they weigh 0.540ct. This section of the watch continues the use of black Onyx to form a beautiful boarder, picking out the Marquise cut diamonds and finishing the end of each lug.
The dial is original and is in good condition. It is a silver satin base tone which is beautifully simplistic. It consists of well-spaced Arabic numerals which fill the rectangular shape of the dial by exaggerating. The railroad track around the exterior of the dial is simple but clean. It has thicker marking for the hour markers.
The hands are original and are of Breguet style and have a thermally Blued finish. The crystal would appear to be a plexiglass replacement. It fits the profile of the watch perfectly and is in good condition.The crown is original and is engraved with a flower. It has a beautiful coin edge and is formed of Platinum. This engraving of the crown and this exact design is seen on the Tiffany examples.
The case back is made of Platinum and is in good condition for the age. It has a personal engraving from the original owner, Anna M.Lane of Jacksonville Florida. The case back has an engraved boarder of exceptional quality which is original to the design by Henry Blank and Co. The inside has the mark for Platinum, with the Crescent and arrow mark of Henry Blank and Co. The serial number within is 27816.
The Silk Ribbon is original to the watch, with the original Platinum buckle still attached. The buckle has the crescent and arrow mark associated with Henry Blank and Co.
The movement is a calibre by CH Meylan of Brassus, Switzerland. The movement is of very high quality for the period, with an individual and aesthetic bridge layout. The movement has 18 jewels which is a high count for the era, highlighting the quality CH Meylan built into these movements. The bridges have a beautiful Cote De Geneve finish, whilst it is also brushed in between the strips. The edges of the bridges are chamfered too, with the jewels being of an excellent colour and quality. The gear train wheels have a frosted finish which still has a lovely texture. The screws used in the movement have a mirror finish, whilst the base plate has peerlage finishing. This level of finishing is exclusive to the best Swiss makers. This particular movement is very close to the finish of Art Deco period movements, I have assessed that have the Geneve seal authentication.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial: The dial is original and is in good condition. It is a silver satin base tone which is beautifully simplistic. It consists of well-spaced Arabic numerals which fill the rectangular shape of the dial by exaggerating.
Hands: The hands are original and are of Breguet style. They have a thermally Blued finish which has slightly worn on the minute hands.
Glass: The crystal would appear to be a plexiglass replacement. It fits the profile of the watch perfectly and is in good condition.
Crown: The crown is original and is engraved with a flower. It has a beautiful coin edge and is formed of Platinum. This engraving of the crown and this exact design is seen on the Tiffany examples.
Case: The case is crafted from Platinum and is of supreme quality. The central section of the case is rectangular and the front of it is set with milligrain diamonds. There are 40 stones in total surrounding the dial of the watch, Eight of which are cut. The ends of the main section of the case are set with larger diamonds, 5 at the top and 5 at the bottom. They are surrounded by black Onyx to create a beautiful boarder. The sides of the case are engraved expertly with the original finish which is seen on many other Blank examples, even Tiffany ones.
Lugs: The articulated lugs are attached to the case via a hinge on each end. These help create the impressive 43mm measurement in length. They are formed of Platinum and are of exceptional quality. They boast this watches crown jewels, the two Marquise cut diamonds. There are 18 other diamonds on each articulated lug.
Caseback: The case back is made of Platinum and is in good condition for the age. It has a personal engraving from the original owner, Anna M.Lane of Jacksonville Florida. This watch was likely given when she married Jessie E. Carroll.
Strap: The Silk Ribbon is original to the watch, with the original Platinum buckle still attached. The buckle has the crescent and arrow mark associated with Henry Blank and Co.
Movement:
The movement is a calibre by CH Meylan of Brassus, Switzerland. The movement is of very high quality for the period. It has a daily gain of +160 seconds, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 5.2m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 13mm
Case width with crown: 15mm
Case length lug to lug: 43mm
Case Depth: 6mm
Lug width: 12mm