Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Art Deco Rosewood and Leather Manual Wristwatch
View Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Art Deco Rosewood and Leather Manual Wristwatch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Dimensions:Length: 6.5 in (165.1 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1925
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Greenwich, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: 159941stDibs: LU3914881781
Van Cleef & Arpels
One of the world’s foremost jewelry houses, Van Cleef & Arpels is particularly noted for a focus on technical virtuosity, craftsmanship and artistry, evident since its beginning. Rather than create earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other adornments primarily for the aim of displaying of wealth and opulence, Van Cleef & Arpels sought to produce jewelry that projected the wearer’s taste and style.
The company was formed a year after the 1895 marriage of Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a gem cutter, to Estelle Arpels, daughter of precious-stones dealer Salomon Arpel. Ten years later, Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris, setting the march on a square now crowded with dealers in bijouterie. (The company still occupies the New York flagship store opened in 1939 at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.)
Born from a union of expertise in both jewelry making and gem selection, the Van Cleef & Arpels distinguished itself with both the consistency of the color and clarity of its stones and the creativity of its designs. In doing so, the house would win a roster of dedicated, fashion-conscious clients that included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Hutton, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1933, Van Cleef & Arpels patented its trademark Mystery Setting — a technique by which gems are fitted into an intricate matrix of slots and “drawers” that keep the setting hidden. Another signal innovation was the Zip necklace, introduced in 1951, which can be worn either around the neck or, with the zipper closed, as a bracelet.
But as much as to the firm’s craftsmanship, clients have been drawn by the insouciance and playfulness of Van Cleef & Arpels designers, as well as their attunement to the cultural climate. After the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the company produced several lavish pieces featuring hieroglyphics and other Egyptian motifs to go along with the geometric Art Deco jewelry of that decade and the next. Following World War II, as symbols of freedom and rebirth, the firm focused on naturalistic forms such as birds, flowers, fruit and flying insects. High society’s 1960s fascination with the Near East and India prompted such pieces as the best-selling Alhambra necklace, popularized by Princess Grace.
Lately, attention among collectors and connoisseurs has centered on Van Cleef & Arpels’s quality of workmanship as much as its glamour. The firm was the subject of a 2012 show at the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, as well as exhibitions at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in 2013 and at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2014.
Find an exquisite collection of Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Van Cleef & Arpels Mid-Century Gold Padlock Watch BraceletBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Greenwich, CTLock up precious time with this Van Cleef & Arpels mid-century padlock gold watch bracelet. With a chic modern style, this one-of-a-kind and collectible timepiece will make sure you...Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro Wrist Watches
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Vintage Diamond Emerald Gold Platinum Lion Cub BroochBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Greenwich, CTKeep your baby lion cub close to you when wearing this adorable Van Cleef & Arpels Paris vintage diamond emerald gold and platinum brooch. With its black enamel nose, emerald eyes, a...Category
Vintage 1960s French Modernist Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
- George L'Enfant Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Gold Cat Silhouette Pendant NecklaceBy Georges L'EnfantLocated in Greenwich, CTIt is the cat's meow. With ruby eyes and stylized feline fur, this Georges L'Enfant Van Cleef & Arpels vintage 18 karat yellow gold silhouette of a cat will keep you meowing 24/7. ...Category
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsRuby, Gold, 18k Gold
- George L'Enfant Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Capricorn Zodiac Gold Charm PendantBy Georges L'EnfantLocated in Greenwich, CTJust arrived and waiting for those born a Capricorn (December 22-January 19th) this large size coveted Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Georges L'Enfant vintage pendant zodiac charm will alw...Category
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsGold
- Cartier Paris Art Deco Diamond Platinum BraceletBy CartierLocated in Greenwich, CTWearable everyday, this Art Deco diamond platinum bracelet has a powerful timeless spirit and a modern casual feel. With a total of approximately 6.75 carats of shimmering single cu...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Link Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- JAR Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection Vintage WatchBy JARLocated in Greenwich, CTThis JAR designed and collectible vintage watch from the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection is wearable fine art. With a orange silicone watch strap, a champagne colored face, an...Category
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Van Cleef & Arpels Ladies Art Deco Wristwatch Platinum Diamond Manual WindBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Beverly Hills, CAElegant and timeless jeweled Art Deco lady's watch created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the 1930s. The watch is made of platinum (tested & hallmarked) and encrusted with Old European cut...Category
Vintage 1930s French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Cadenas WristwatchBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold wristwatch from the iconic Cadenas collection. This watch is very well made and features beautiful craftsmanship in the strap, which is made o...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Diamond Lady's WristwatchBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYVan Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold wristwatch featuring approximately 5 carats of diamonds. The dial is made out of round cut diamonds. The case's width is 2 cm. The links on th...Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold WristwatchBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Geneva, CHVan Cleef and Arpels 18k yellow gold wristwatch. Signed and numbered. Bracelet size: From 14.9 centimeters to 18.00 centimeters. Total bra...Category
Late 20th Century European Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels Diamond White Gold WristwatchBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Holland, PA18k White Gold Diamond Pierre Arpels 42mm Wristwatch by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 49 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color on bezel, 4 round...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco Manual Wind Watch, circa 1930sBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Van Cleef & Arpel, France STYLE / REFERENCE: Square / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Width 28mm CIRCA: 1930's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels / French Ebauch with Capped Escape Wheel DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered Arabic Luminous Numerals / Blued Steel Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator 14mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unique and rare watch is all French, including the beautifully finished gilt plate movement done in the Breguet Style. The case is entirely hand constructed with French Eagle Hallmarks. The dial is nicely patinated and still has its original luminous paste. The blued steel hands are also set with luminous paste and are original as well. Surprisingly, this watch still has its original solid gold crown...Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Gems by David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels Anchor The Back Vault’s Treasure Trove
Boasting one of the largest collections of David Webb in the world, the firm offers exceptional jewels — always in demand yet never in short supply.
This Turquoise Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace Is a Rare and Alluring Find
You know the French maison’s famous motif well. But why is this particular piece so in demand?