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For sale we have a lovely example of a 1924 travelling watch of well executed Art Deco style. The case is formed of Sterling Silver and has hallmarking for Birmingham assay office dating it to 1924/25. It was made by Hassett & Harper Ltd, who were a silversmiths located at Regents Place Birmingham, in the famous jewellery Quarter.

It is octagonal and can easily fit within a pocket or bag with its 55mm x 55mm dimensions. It has well designed engraving to the case which adds texture and depth to the case. At the push of a button it opens, revealing the inner octagonal plate which holds the very clear watch face. Folding this section out allows the piece to stand and sit proudly on a desk or table. The dial is enamel with clear Arabic numerals with radium lume, with thermally blued lumed hands. The watch case back opens to expose the AS 340 manual wind movement which has been serviced.

 

The outer case is shallow with a depth of 13mm when closed, and at 55mm diameter, is rather petite when compared to other travelling watches of the era. This makes it desirable for its compact design. The octagonal shape is very neat and classically Art Deco, whilst the circular engraving to the centre with linear groves and crisscrossing lines creates an eye-catching finish. When opened the case reveals the watch, of which the plate is pulled outwards to allow the case to stand open. The entirety of the inside has a gilt finish which shines brightly and is even.

 

The watch face is surrounded by a beautifully made bezel with neat coin edge finish adding a touch of class. The dial is very clear with radium lume indicating that legibility was a key consideration. The crown sits below 6 O’clock and is a quality design with its bulb shape and textured finish.

 

The AS 340 movement has 15 jewels and is a wristwatch movement, which allows the whole case to be scaled down. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within +180 seconds a day.

 

This is a neat and beautifully designed example of Art Deco design. A compact and portable little travel watch which could be used on a bedside table, on a desk, in a bag or on a train.  A very fun little piece.

 

Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided.

 

Case:

The outer case is formed of Silver and is in good condition for the age. It has little tarnishing. It has no major denting and only has light surface scratching. There are some corrosion spots to the underside. The case closes properly with the push button release working well too. The hinge is good and strong. The inner plate swivels as it should to stand up right.

 

Watch casing:

The front is good with a coin edge bezel holding the glass. The gilt finish is good and even. The rear of the case would appear to be chrome which is in very good condition. The hinged back is good and closes tightly.

 

Dial:

The dial is enamel and is original. It is in very good condition with no cracking and with clear original signing. The radium lume is original and has deteriorated to an extent.

 

Hands:

The hands are original and are thermally blued with slight corrosion. They have the original lume in-fill which has aged well and is intact.

 

Glass:

The glass has some scratches associated with ageing.

 

Crown:

The crown is original and functions well.

 

Movement:

The movement is an AS 340. It has a jewel count of 15, with a frequency of 18,000 BPH and a 36 hour power reserve.

 

The movement has been serviced. It is keeping time to within +180 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 2.0m/s.

 

Case dimensions:

Closed

Case width: 55mm

Case length: 56mm

Case Depth: 13mm

 

Open:

Case height: 34mm

Dial diameter: 22.5mm

Bezel diameter: 30.5mm

1924 Art Deco Hasset & Harper Ltd 55mm Silver Octagonal travel desk bag watch

£600.00Price
Out of Stock
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