Lot 288

Longines

The symbol of good luck

A beautiful, rare Art Deco chinoiserie dress watch with matching gold watch chain and original box - according to the enclosed Longines extract from the archives the watch was invoiced on November 15th, 1928 to the company A. Wittnauer Co., which was at that time the Longines agent for the USA

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This fine Chinoiserie dress watch dating from the late 1920s has been superbly designed and executed. The vibrant ornamentation is breathtaking; the back of the watch is exquisitely chased and engraved and in parts painted with red lacquer. The different types of surface refinement create the three-dimensional image of a Chinese dragon with a bright blue pearl in its claw, writhing in the clouds.

The Art Deco time was one of the most important periods of the 20th century with an enormous impact on jewellery design. Even though it only lasted for about 15 years (circa 1920-1935), it inspired a great number of changes in jewellery making as well as generally throughout the world. Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels flourished during this period – their luxury jewellery managed to convey the feeling of the period perfectly. In addition to monochrome designs with light-coloured gemstones, oriental art motifs such as Chinoiserie and Japonist elements were frequently used.