Skip to main content

Art Deco Wrist Watches

ART DECO STYLE

Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.

The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.

However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)

While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.

Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.

A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.

Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

30
to
26
3
24
30
1
7
4
10
5
52
37
36
29
24
5
1
22
20
3
2
2
3
1
Creator: Elgin
Style: Art Deco
Elgin Ladies Solid Gold Art Deco Watch with Cord Band 1940s and Box
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 33mm Length X 14mm Diameter MOVEMENT / C...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Elgin Mid Century Manual Winding Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Modern Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 10K Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
Category

1950s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1918 Elgin Rare 6 Size 15J Trench Watch 100+ Years Young!
Located in Raleigh, NC
My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world-famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. I was selected because of my attention to detail and originality. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. What an honor for Vintage Watch Corner. I will share one Actor name, Robert Di Niro. This offering would of been perfect for the movie, it was not available at the time of the movies filming. As of three weeks ago I was picked up for another movie that was originally made in 1936, they are doing a remake. I am supplying the watches for that movie. Everyone once and awhile I get a treasure. This offering is originates from 1918, yes, that is correct 1918. There are several distinct characteristics that make this a real treasure to collect, keep reading if you are curious. The watches size is the special attribute. It is very hard to find 6 size wrist watches from the WW1 / Trench watch era. A genuine Bold Military dial that has been professionally refinished to its original status; this is the highlight of this listing. Luminous material has been applied. Don’t wait! Very hard to find an original WW1 Dial! This offering is super hard to find. You could wait years before another one comes up for sale. Take close notes, save the pictures, it will be a long time before you see another one. NOTE: To have a 6 size with a genuine WW1 / Trench watch dial is extraordinary. They are very difficult to find. This is the first one in about 10 years! For collectors who are reading this listing, they know how hard it is to find one in pristine condition. Let alone one with a higher caliber movement, 15 Jewels. The case measures approximately 40MM, unheard of during this era! Very Very Rare! I have gently hand polished this case with Simichrome, it is a polish that does wonders for silver, nickel, oresilver, silveroid etc. This watch was serviced November 2023. It runs beautifully as of this listing., It has a new crystal installed as well, I finished the watch with a 18MM black “Buffalo” leather open ended Trench Watch band with a stainless-steel buckle to match the case Please keep in mind the watches that are 100+ years young do not keep time like modern watches. The do not have modern seals to acts a s a dust or moisture barrier. Look at the pictures to compare against another watch. One has to know a bit of background to understand Trench / Wire Lug watches History about Trench Watches What is a “Trench Watch”? They were created using 3/0 and 0 size and very rarely 6 size pocket watch movements and installing into watch cases that were meant to worn on the wrist. The watch movement companies would send their movements to independent jewelers, who in turn would select the cases (as described below) to house the movement. So, the ordering process might go like this. A customer walks into a jeweler, with the help of the jeweler, the customer selects a 15 jeweled movement, then they go on to the case selection. The jeweler may recommend a higher end case manufactures like Depollier, Philadelphia, Fays etc and then it is the style of case as many manufactures had several different styles. Once a complete selection was made, the jeweler put it together and delivered the watch. That is how many Trench Watches (wrist watches) were born in the early 1900’s. The movements often came from women pocket watches because the wristwatch as we know was just being discovered. It is not uncommon to see various movements used in different cases, with various years. Remember the wristwatch was just being developed. They often have some of the following characteristics: Fixed or Wire Lug, some rare style have Swing Lugs: No traditional spring bar attachment as found in today’s watches. Case Material: Solid Gold / Sterling Silver {925} / Nickel / Silverode or Gold Filled were used. {This case lid snaps snug on the case. This is important to note as many cases were badly damaged by their owners over the past 100 years. This watch case has been taken care of throughout its 100 years, it is in remarkable shape} *For more practical purposes, a special alloy was developed which went by several different names, such as, “Silveroid, Silverore, Silverode or Silverine. “Silveroid” appears to have become the standard name for this metal that consisted of 45% nickel, 54% copper and 1% manganese. This metal was fairly hard wearing and could withstand the rigors of everyday use, for instance on the Railroads. Case Manufactures: There were many case manufacturers that made cases for Trench Watches. Some of the more well know were: Dennison (English Manufacturer) Illinois (not affiliated with the Illinois Watch Company) J Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more WW1 was 1914 to 1918, that is the time frame of many Trench Watches. Grade: 295 Manufacturer: Elgin Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois Movement Serial Number: 20427929 Grade: 295 Model: 2 Class: 115 Estimated Production Year: 1918 Run Quantity: 2,000 Total Production: 210,000 Size: 6 size Jewels: 15 Jewel Movement Configuration: Hunting Movement Finish: Nickel Movement Setting: Pendant Plate: 3/4 Plate Barrel: Going Train: Quick Regulator: Plain Hairspring: Breguet Escapement Type: Straight-line Adjusted: No Railroad Grade: No U.S. Patents: 77078 Data Research: 1904 Elgin...
Category

1910s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Other

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Ladies Wrist Watch circa, 1930's with Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Width 15mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
Category

1930s Swiss Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Cushion Shaped American Watch with Original Dial 1940
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Cushion Shaped METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 35mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Longines 18Kt Yellow Gold Rare Drs. Model Art Deco Watch circa 1937
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Longines Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1937 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 20mm M...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Round Style
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 32mm MO...
Category

1950s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled from 1939 with Hand Engraved Monogram Tortue Shaped
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1939 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 25mm X Diameter 42mm...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Elgin Rose Gold Filled Art Deco Watch Tortue Shaped Watch from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Rose Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Width 26mm MO...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled, Rose Gold

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch with Custom Finished Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference Tank METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 38mm Length X 21mm Widt...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Lady Elgin Gold-Filled Art Deco Tank Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 24mm X Width 18mm MO...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled 1940's Art deco Tonneau Shaped Watch with Original Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 27mm...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 32mm Length X 25mm Width MOVEMENT...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled & Enamel Inlayed Art Deco Watch circa 1920's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Width 16mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Ma...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Art Deco 10k Gold Filled Gents Wrist Watch By Elgin, Fully Serviced , c1946
Located in Westward ho, GB
For your consideration is this very stylish gents 10k Rolled Gold wristwatch made by the American watchmakers Elgin, dates to 1946. In superb condition with stainless back free from engravings. The movement is a very good quality 15 jewel Elgin 554 hand wound, made in USA. Serial number L256548 corresponds to 1946 manufacture date. Just serviced, ultrasonically cleaned and oiled. Running well and keeping good time for a vintage watch. The usual light scratches and signs of previous use, plus some rubbing to the high spots of the plating seen under very close examination, but no dents, dings or other noticeable flaws. Inside the back is signed: CASED AND TIMED BY ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold-filled

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from the 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Modified Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 32mm Length X 26...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Round Watch with Unique Original Dial From 1950's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Shockmaster / Lord Elgin Model METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 42mm Length X 34mm ...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1928 Elgin E-1 Series, 15 Jewel, Rare Dial Offering
Located in Raleigh, NC
Thank you for dropping by. I have a sublime offering that is Art Deco through and through. Elgin, one of the prolific early American wrist watch manufacturers. The played a significant role during the early wristwatch era. This is just an example. This is an incredible survivor from two generations ago. This 1928, one year before “The Great Depression” hung over the US like a dark angry cloud. This could be labeled a Streamline Moderne offering in 14 karat white gold filled. The case is in remarkable condition for being almost 100 years young. Elgin “Model 621” men’s Streamline Moderne design wristwatch in 14K white gold fill, circa 1928. Let me share with you what makes this such a coveted treasure to own, if you are on my sight, you like vintage watches. With bias I know I offer some of the best in the market today, don’t take my word, read my reviews. Back to the Elgin, sorry I got lost for a moment. This dial is the crown jewel of this offering. It is called an Incuse Exploding dial...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1928 Art Deco Elgin 15 Jewel Survivor, Beautiful Restoration
Located in Raleigh, NC
What a beautiful watch. This 1920’s Men’s Elgin has been restored from the ground up. The 7 jewel movement purrs like a kitten and keeps accurate time. It has recently had a complete service to insure consistent reliability. This is a harder size to find, a 3/0 size and the coveted 15 jewel...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin “Hermetic” Trench / WW1 Y/G Filled Beautiful Survivor!
Located in Raleigh, NC
Here is another sublime offering from Vintage Watch Corner. While this could be called a “Trench Watch" style, it a rare case. It is a “Hermetic Case” (screw on bezel and case back) WW1 Trench Watch...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

1930's Elgin Sports Watch 15 Jewel Stainless Case, Stunning Dial
Located in Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Vintage Watch Corner. First a PSA (Public Service Announcement) Vintage Watch Corner was selected as the Vintage watch source to supply “period” watches (1918-1926) for a major motion picture. This picture is being filmed in Oklahoma as we speak. It is a validation of the authenticity of my restorations. What a great looking Elgin. This watch is from the late 1930’s, It is Elgin’s answer to the “waterproof” watch. The crystal has a gasket between the case and crystal, the case back has a gasket between the movement retainer ring and the case back, that by the way threads on. I love the oversized crown; it adds a distinguished look to a “functional watch. This watch was targeted for the outdoors person who wanted a watch that could withstand the elements, hence multiple gaskets and oversized crown. I love the two tone dial. It has a golden minute...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1931 Elgin Campus Model 467. White and Green Gold Filled! Art Deco Beauty
Located in Raleigh, NC
Elgin, think Art Deco, think white and green gold-filled middle case, Think amazing condition. This is part of the Elgin Campus series that came out. This is the model 467. But first…… Think 1931! Think Elgin Campus Series! I have a shameless plug! My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches...
Category

1930s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rare Elgin “Madame Jenny” Art-Deco c 1928 Ladies Watch in 14K Gold Fill & Enamel
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This fine & very rare timepiece is a beautiful ladies' bracelet watch by Elgin The timepiece is in amazing original condition & it excellent working order In the 1920's Elgin r...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled, Enamel

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Wristwatch Original Design by Cartier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tortue Shape / Art Deco / Reference 0728 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with Original Patinated Dial 1950's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 23mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / Caliber 772 DIAL / HANDS: Orginal with Silvered Lines / Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is a classic model by the iconic house of Elgin, one of Americas oldest and most well respected watch companies. It is fitted with their experimental balance. Patek Philippe used...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Art Deco Ladies White GF Wrist Watch by Elgin, Fully Serviced, C1934
Located in Westward ho, GB
Wonderfully styled Art Deco ladies watch originating from the 1934 and made by the American watchmakers Elgin. A fine classic calibre movement running well on a 7 jewel Elgin grade 4...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Gold-filled, White Gold

1925 Elgin 14KW Solid Gold Survivor, Trifold Case, Stunning
Located in Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Vintage Watch Corner. First my PSA: My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. Good day, let me introduce you to the Elgin “Art Deco...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Watch from 1940's with a Custom Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber: 554 DIAL / HANDS: Custom Finished Orange with Arabic Numerals / Gilt Leaf Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unique watch by the legendary American house of Elgin was produced in their factory in Elgin Illinois. The watch is done in the classic Tortue or turtle shape and was inspired by a design from Cartier. The original tortue, or turtle watch...
Category

1940s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Art Deco Ladies Geometric Enamel Wrist Watch By Elgin, c1933, Newly Serviced.
Located in Westward ho, GB
For your consideration is this lovely Art Deco ladies wrist watch which looks great for both evening and day dress. Made by the US watchmak...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Silver, Enamel, Other

Elgin White Gold Filled Art Deco Manual Wristwatch, circa 1926
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. White Gold Filled CIRCA: 1926 DIMENSIONS: Length 35mm X Width 27mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Wrist Watches

Recently Viewed

View All