Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Wristwatch, c. 1920
Art Deco Tiffany & Co. diamond, emerald and platinum wristwatch. A sublime period piece by a great House, this is an elegant and striking accent for the lady's wrist. Fine natural Colombian emeralds weighing an estimated 1.30 cts. All of the 20 emeralds match well in their vivid green color. These emeralds are accented with white diamonds. The 100 diamonds are estimated to weigh 1.54 cts., with a total fine gem weight of 2.84 cts. The watch is hand engraved on the verso as well as the sides. The winding mechanism is original. The mechanical movement is by C.H. Meylan, an early and extremely fine maker of watch movements. As is true of all of our watches, this has been cleaned and regulated by an expert watch-maker and is guaranteed for a year.
This watch is 6. 3/4 inches long and in fine condition.
Pierre/Famille Notes from the Conservator of the Collection:
Relative to three of the world's best known jewelers, it has been hinted (but never explicitly stressed) that there was something about their internal corporate ethos that informed the most salient aspects of their compositions, the flashes of their virtuosity, the aspects of their work that makes Cartier - Cartier; makes Van Cleef & Arpels indeed Van Cleef and that makes Tiffany indelibly Tiffany.
In the case of the latter, the example of the stunning platinum mesh, diamond and emerald wristwatch can illustrate this point.
Through time the hallmarks of Tiffany's pieces can be seen in their restraint, classicism and strong quality of materials presented simply.
There is no outré, or over the top, designs as by Cartier when it presented the myriad of way that Art Deco designs could be expressed. Nor is there any flamboyant exploration of flower head designs in invisibly set colored stones as could be found in pieces by Van Cleef.
In this Tiffany watch, very white diamond, classically vivid Colombian emeralds were combined with a watch movement by a firm that was one of the most respected in the world at that time. C.H. Meylan - which made watch movements for the best of the world's jewelers and even collaborated with other watch companies such as Patek Philippe. High quality, classical composition, but jewels of restraint, overall a very "middle of the road" outlook to their designs.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed appraisal by our gemologist, as well as all original GIA certificates, if specified in listing. All of our gemstones are real and unenhanced and all diamonds offered by Pierre/Famille are natural from the earth, and never lab created! Our jewelry arrives gift wrapped in a fine presentation box.