Here we have an eye-catching mid 1920s E&C Crane 18ct yellow gold octagonal watch of Art Deco styling. It has the silver octagonal dial with the radial, exaggerated Arabic numerals. Below 12 is signed with the ‘E&C’ shield and ‘Crane’. The hands are of Plume style with the bright thermally blued tone. To the right is the neat coin edge crown with the subtle dome. The snap on case back is signed inside with Swiss hallmarking for 18ct gold with the serial number. The movement is a reliable 15 jewel Swiss lever calibre with the gilt frosted finishing. It has been recently serviced and is keeping reliable time. 
 
We adore this little watch as it punches well above its weight in terms of looks and design. It is very much Cartier-esque in its design, embodying the best aspects of Art Deco dress styling from the mid 1920s. The stretched octagonal case is a unique case shape, not commonly seen. It frames the silver dial well and the shape appears to pull the exaggerated Arabic numerals to the top and sides of the case. The radial layout provides a seamless flow around the circular dash minute track. The italic stylised font of the numerals is pleasing and oozes Art Deco class. Below 12 o’clock is the ‘E&C’ shield with the ‘Crane’ name below. To the base, it is signed with the ‘Swiss Made’ text. 
The hands are the Plume style which was a classic of the era. They have the beautiful and bright thermally blued tone which shines in the light.
 
The case measures 23.6mm wide by 27.7mm in length. This makes this a well sized ladies watch that is nice and legible. It is formed of 18ct yellow gold and has the three-piece design with snap on bezel and case back, with the centre of the casing having the gold fixed bar lugs. The bezel is subtly curved which combines with the polished finish to interact nicely with the light. The sides have the flat finish with the right-hand side having the coin edge crown with the subtly domed face. The case back mirrors the front design, providing a pleasing symmetry. The inside of the case back is marked with the Swiss hallmarking with ‘18k’ stamp and the head of Helvetia. It has the ‘E&C’ shield with the serial number below. 
 
The movement is a good quality 15 jewel Swiss lever calibre. It has the frosted gilt finish which is a joy to look at. It has been recently serviced and has a daily variation of +90 seconds per day. 
 
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is formed of silver and is in good antique condition. It has the speckled slightly darker marking which is even across the dial. It has some light scratches in areas. The signing is good and clear. It has some small dots of wear. A good antique dial. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and are in very good condition. They are of Plume style with the bright thermally blued finish.
 
Glass: 
The original crystal is in good condition with light marking. It has some minor nicks to the edges, as expected with age. 
 
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with light pitting to the face.
 
Case:
The case is 18ct gold and is in good condition with the polished finish. The tone of the yellow gold is good and even. There is a small dent to the left hand side of the bezel. 
 
Caseback:
The snap-on case back is formed of 18ct gold and is in aged condition. It has small dimpled dents. 
 
Strap: 
The leather strap is new. It is designed for fixed bar lugs with the metal tabs holding it in place. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a good quality 15 jewel Swiss lever calibre. It displays just the hours and minutes.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within + 90 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 340 degrees.
 
Case dimensions
Case width: 23.6mm
Case width with crown: 25mm
Case length: 27.7mm
Case length lug to lug: 30.2mm
Case depth: 7mm
Lug width: 10mm