Name: Retro 1940s Tourneau Watch Ring in 14k Gold with Provenance
Brand: Tourneau
Rating: 5 (11 reviews)

Retro 1940s Tourneau Watch Ring in 14k Gold with Provenance

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About the Item

With great retro 1940's to Mid Century style, this solid gold watch ring was originally offered by fine watch retailer Tourneau. Crafted of solid 14K gold, the watch has a chunky gold band and a curved crystal that really gives it great period presence. The dial is clearly marked "Tourneau" and is set with 6 sparkly diamonds or crystals. Currently a small size, the ring could be sized up, if desired. The dial is easy to read with black Arabic numerals on the silvery colored brushed finish, gold colored hands, and sparkly crystals or diamonds at the 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 positions. The case and ring band test as gold, while the crown (to the right side) does not test as gold. Not including the gold case, the dial measures approximately 12 x 11 mm; including the case and shoulders, the face of the ring watch measures approximately 24 x 17 mm, or a little over 7/8 of an inch x a little over 11/16 of an inch. The rise off the finger to the top of the elegantly curving crystal is approximately 7.3 mm. I'm not sure the gold band is original - it may have been custom made for the watch back in the 1940's to 1950's. Its hefty and substantial, even in its current small size and oval shape. The shoulders are approximately 8.5 mm at their widest, and gradually taper to approximately 2 mm at the back where it is the narrowest. Inside the band are slight signs of it having been sized in the past; no hallmarks are present. On the inside of the shoulders/back of the gold case I can see where the band was attached or perhaps touched up. With magnification I can see a bit of adhesive at the edges of some of the diamonds/crystals. (I tried to get in there to test them with my diamond tester but it was too awkward an angle to get a clear result.) On my scale the finished weight is a nice 11.36 grams. I've had the watch cleaned and serviced so it is working well. (though after being shipped it is possible it will need to be adjusted) The watch ring was part of the estate of a really lovely woman's estate. She was a well know character in NYC's Greenwich Village, and was once an actress. I'll include some information about her, as well. (I acquired a few pieces of her jewelry after she passed away.) Currently fitting me as a snug size 4.75 to 5, the ring can be sized up or down within reason by a good jeweler. To keep the back of the band as substantial as it is now, I would expect more gold to be added at the back. However, there is enough gold to work with, that a small size increase would likely allow you to simply use the existing gold. A really fun and stylish piece that will look especially great worn with chunky gold bracelets and rings.

Creator:
Tourneau
Ring Size:
4.75 US, Resizable
Metal:
14k Gold
Weight:
11.36 g
Style:
Retro
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1940 to 1949
Condition:
Additions or alterations made to the original: The band is quite oval in shape and shows signs of having been sized sometime in the past. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Danvers, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3614219604582