18K Yellow Gold French Art Deco Octagonal Cocktail Watch
Jewelry Watch, Cocktail Watch · Yellow Gold, classic warm European tone with a rich, buttery hue typical of high-karat vintage alloys.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness), approximately 75% pure gold. Visible stamps suggest high-purity European standard.
Type
Jewelry Watch, Cocktail Watch
Purity
18K (750 fineness), approximately 75% pure gold. Visible stamps suggest high-purity European standard.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, classic warm European tone with a rich, buttery hue typical of high-karat vintage alloys.
Weight
Estimated 25 to 35 grams total weight (including movement and crystal). The case and bracelet are solid gold.
Description
An elegant and rare solid 18K yellow gold cocktail watch from the Art Deco era. This piece features a distinct octagonal case back and a sophisticated geometric link bracelet that sits between jewelry and horology. Its substantial gold construction reflects the luxury of early 20th-century French craftsmanship.
Key Features
Octagonal case shape, 'stirrup' style links, deep serial number engraving, and the distinct warmth of vintage 18K gold.
Color & Finish
Rich yellow gold with a high-polish finish now showing a natural vintage patina and extensive micro-scratching from use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Small eagle's head (French Tête d'Aigle) potentially visible on the case back edge or lugs; serial number '90587' deeply stamped on the case back.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx. 18-20mm; bracelet length approx. 6.5-7 inches; link width approx. 6mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones visible on the reverse; likely features a minimalist or diamond-set dial on the reverse side.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated link fold-over clasp (not fully visible), designed to blend seamlessly with the geometric link style.
Chain & Links
Geometric Art Deco links consisting of circular and rectangular 'stirrup' or horseshoe-style connections, hand-assembled.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-finished links with visible pins; case shows precision milling; the integration of the lugs to the bracelet suggests high-end workshop production.
Authentication Indicators
Deeply struck serial numbers, color consistency across links and case, and traditional French case construction techniques.
Origin & Maker
Likely France (indicated by 'leboncoin' context and design language); maker may be a high-end Parisian jeweler or watchmaker.
Era & Period
Art Deco (circa 1920-1935), indicated by the octagonal case geometry and clean, architectural link design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1935 based on the case shape and transition from Edwardian curves to Art Deco line work.
Cultural Significance
Represents the emergence of the 'Modern Woman' in the Interwar period, showcasing the blending of technological advancement with high fashion.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Significant surface scratches on the case back and links; crown shows wear; movement functionality unknown. No major dents observed.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value $1,800 - $3,200 depending on movement brand and gold weight. Significant premium over 'melt' value due to antique status.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft gold polishing cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners due to the delicate vintage watch movement; store in a padded silk pouch.
Similar Items
Cartier Tank watches of the era, Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo bracelets, or 14K Retro-era rose gold watches.
Interesting Facts
Cocktail watches became popular during the Prohibition era and represented a shift where women began wearing watches as decorative jewelry rather than just tools.