Paul Flato’s flamboyant style was matched by his larger-than-life personality. He created daring and theatrical jewelry that challenged the conservative conventions of adornment. Works like his Bird of Paradise and Feather Quill brooches and his Seashell pocket watch exemplify his audacious style while reflecting his meticulous craftsmanship. His clients included celebrities such as French-American opera singer Lily Pons, American artist and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt and American actresses Joan Crawford and Mae West.
Flato was born in 1900 into a ranching family in Shiner, Texas. He later attended the University of Texas at Austin as a pre-med student, but soon shifted focus and enrolled at Columbia University in New York City to study economics. With the help of some well-connected friends — including one at Tiffany & Co. — he opened a jewelry store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
His business steadily grew, and he sold over $1 million worth of jewelry by the time he was 27. While he had a great mind for unique ideas, he enlisted the talents of more experienced jewelers for support in drafting the pieces. In 1938, Flato opened a second store in Hollywood, California. His pieces were large and eye-catching, making them perfect for the camera.
In 1943, Flato’s jewelry career came to an abrupt halt with larceny charges for consigning a 17-carat diamond that went missing. When he was unable to pay the consignors, they pressed charges. Flato spent 18 months in Sing Sing prison. After his release, Flato he eased back into the trade by producing pens and compact cases for makeup. Poor financial decisions led again to his falling on the wrong side of the law and he fled to South America. He ended up serving four years in a Mexican prison before being sent back to the United States to serve a five-year sentence for grand larceny.
In 1970, Flato returned to Mexico and opened a boutique in Zona Rosa, Mexico City. He spent the last 20 years of his career there, fashioning bold and bright jewelry, inspired by the indigenous culture of the country.
In 1990, Flato moved back to Texas where he died in 1999. His outlandishly imaginative pieces remain in demand with collectors today.
On 1stDibs, enjoy the wondrous imagination of Paul Flato through his brooches, watches, bracelets and more.
FLATO Platinum and Diamond Travel Watch
By Paul Flato
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This unusual watch clock was created by Paul Flato in New York in the 1930s. Paul Flato was famous for his whimsical imaginative designs. In the 1930's, he counted both socialites ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vacheron & Constantine Platinum Art Deco Pocket Watch Dial by Stern Freres
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron & Constantine STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Open Faced Dress Pocket Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 42mm M...
Platinum
Vintage Hermes Travel Watch C.1960s
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare time piece by Hermes, a vintage travel watch. The watch set ina red leather case equipped with a slide opening mechanism. The face is square shape, with a white dial and gold alpha shaped hands. Gold Arabic numerals alternate with gold sticks topped with the white dots. The case’s back is rib textured metal, with a few engraved initial letters and a date “17/3/66.” This vintage Hermes...
$8,500
Platinum Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
Platinum diamond watch with 4.00 carat on the band
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Nouveau Antique Gold Diamond Lapel Pocket Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique Art Nouveau 18k gold pocket watch, high relief case, decorated with diamonds. Case is 23mm in diameter. With porcelain dial and original filigree hands. Suspended on a 14k gold Nouveau floral...
Diamond, Gold
$3,055
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in Dm 1 in L 1 in
Antique Swiss Sapphire and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Swiss 0.15 carat sapphire and 0.09 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold lapel watch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique lapel watch...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby Diamond Pendant Watch
Located in New York, NY
Antique circular pendant watch, circa 1880s Tear drop-shaped rubies surrounded by rose-cut diamonds; center stone is a diamond of approximately 0.10 c...
Diamond, Ruby
Van Cleef & Arpels "Domino" travel clock
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century, mahogany and gold inlay "Domino" trade clock with the original leather case, in 18k. Van Cleef et Arpels, France. The middle decades of the twentieth century witnesse...
18k Gold
1914 Vacheron & Constantin for Merimont Mens Art Deco 44mm Pocket Watch Platinum
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Platinum
Movado Türler , Slide / Travel Watch-Clock, Purse Watch, with stand
By Movado
Located in Antwerp, BE
Turler Movado, Slide Travel Watch-Clock, Purse Watch, with stand. This one is smaller then usual and extremely rare and collectible. Measurement: 40.5mm closed, 61mm open x 26.3mm x 12.9mm Total weight: 40.7 gram / 1.440 oz / 26.2 dwt The winding covers work and wind the watch as they are opened and closed. These vintage Movado watches...
Vacheron & Constantin Platinum Square Pocket Watch Retailed by Tiffany & Co.
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare and unusual platinum square Vacheron & Constantin Art Deco pocket watch, retailed by Tiffany & Co. Original hands. Movement signed Vacheron & Cons...
Platinum
Vintage Art Deco 2.04 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ladies Fob Watch Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage Art Deco 2.04 carat diamond and platinum ladies fob watch brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impr...
Diamond, Platinum
Enamel and Serpentine 'Montre à Volets' Lapel Watch
By Verger Frères
Located in New York, NY
The reeded gold panel opens to reveal the square-shaped cream dial with Arabic numerals and blued steel-hands, on a black enamel base with cabochon serpentine double crowns; mounted ...
Enamel