18ct Rolex Art Deco Wristwatch 1927

An Art Deco vintage wristwatch by Rolex dated 1927. This unusual and rare rectangular shaped Rolex wristwatch, with a distinctive red 12 and hand chased (engraved) case detailing, was made in the height of the Art Deco era. This is a very high grade timepiece for the period, being rare in 18ct gold and with a high calibre 18 Jewel Chronometer movement. 

18ct gold rectangular shaped case with intricately hand chased (engraved) bezel and case sides, marked Rolex and “RWC LTD” for the Rolex Watch Company Ltd and “7 World’s Records”. Hallmarked for Glasgow import into the United Kingdom in 1927. 

High grade round 18-Rubies (Jewels) Observatory quality Chronometer movement signed Rolex and Swiss made. 

Silvered dial with black stylised Art Deco numerals and red 12. Black minute chapter and subsidiary dial for seconds. Blued steel Feuille hands. 

Art Deco 

The Art Deco period was one of the first truly worldwide movements of fashion in the arts, which reached its peak during the 1920’s and 1930’s. It had its roots in Paris just before the First World War. It took its name from Arts Décoratifs, an international Exhibition of Modern Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925. 

Art Deco was a stylistic about turn to the Art Nouveau movement which preceded it. Gone were the soft, curved shapes and lines and in came straight lines and the bold geometric forms influenced by cubism and the desire to be modern. Parisian designers and jewellers such as Louis Cartier and René Lalique played an important role in popularising the Art Deco mode in their jewellery and objects. Infusing their designs with bold bright colours, setting emeralds, rubies and sapphires in simple lines and elegant settings. 

Watch design was, as everything else, also influenced by the new modern ideal of straight lines, so watch cases began to become rectangular and square shapes. However, rectangular shaped watch movements were still in their infancy, so they were obliged to use round movements in square cases. 

Case, movement and dial signed. 

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

Stock number