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1930s Benrus 14K White Gold Art Deco Diamond Skyscraper Wristwatch

Name: 1930s Benrus 14K White Gold Art Deco Diamond Skyscraper Wristwatch
Brand: Benrus
Rating: 5 (7 reviews)

About the Item

Elegant late Art Deco Benrus wristwatch crafted in solid 14K white gold with striking stepped diamond-set shoulders inspired by classic skyscraper architecture. Powered by a high-grade Swiss 21 jewel movement that is running perfectly, this 1938–1940 example retains its original dial and period mineral-glass crystal. Fitted with a later mid-century Speidel stainless steel expansion band for comfortable wear. A refined and architectural example of late Art Deco design, this 1930s Benrus ladies’ wristwatch showcases the geometric glamour of the skyscraper era. The solid 14K white gold case features dramatic five-tier stepped diamond-set shoulders on each side of the dial, a silhouette directly inspired by the crown of the Chrysler Building and a hallmark of high-style American Deco jewelry. The watch houses a high-grade Swiss 21 jewel Benrus movement marked with the AXZ import code, a configuration associated with Benrus’s top-tier pre-war production. The movement is running perfectly, a rare distinction for Deco-era mechanical watches. The solid gold caseback retains its circular “Cased and Timed in 14 Karat Gold by the Benrus Watch Co.” medallion hallmark, a stamp used only on the company’s pre-WWII luxury models. The dial is original, with period triangular luminous markers and minimalist Deco numerals that reinforce the late-1930s aesthetic. The period mineral-glass crystal has an age-appropriate corner chip at the upper right and sits slightly proud of the bezel, consistent with hand-cut friction-fit crystals from this era. These characteristics are typical for original Deco crystals and do not affect function. The current expansion bracelet is a later Speidel replacement (patent 2,689,450, circa mid-1950s) crafted in stainless steel with a polished finish. It is not original to the watch but complements the stepped Deco case design and provides comfortable, secure wear. Details • Circa 1938–1940 • Solid 14K white gold case • Stepped five-tier diamond-set shoulders, 10 diamonds total, original stones • Swiss 21 jewel movement, AXZ import code • Running perfectly • Original dial with period luminous triangular markers • Period mineral-glass crystal with minor corner chip and slight bezel lift • Benrus solid gold pre-war medallion hallmark inside caseback • Later Speidel stainless steel expansion bracelet, patent 2,689,450 (circa 1954) • Fits a small to medium wrist, up to about 6.75" circumference • Minor cosmetic wear consistent with age A standout surviving example of Benrus’s luxury Art Deco line, combining strong architectural design with a high-grade movement and full early-period character. An excellent choice for collectors of Deco jewelry, American horological history, or pre-war design.

Creator:
Benrus
Case Material:
White Gold
Stone:
Diamond
Stone Cut:
Round Cut
Strap Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Shape:
Square
Movement:
Style:
Art Deco
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1938-1940
Condition:
Replacements made: The current expansion bracelet is a later Speidel replacement (patent 2,689,450, circa mid-1950s) crafted in stainless steel with a polished finish. It is not original to the watch but complements the stepped Deco case and provides comfortable wear.
Seller Location:
North Attleboro, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3314227948002

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