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9ct Gold Cocktail Watch, Two Tone Dial, Fully Hallmarked, circa 1930s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

9ct Gold Cocktail Watch, Two Tone Dial, Fully Hallmarked, circa 1930s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
c. 1930s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
gold
Dimensions
Case 26 mm
Stock no.
vws4202cs
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws4202cs)
Catalogue title (original)
9ct Gold Cocktail Watch - Two Tone Dial - Fully Hallmarked - c.1930s (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws4202cs), this is a wristwatch, dated c. 1930s. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 26 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Ladies 9ct Gold- Roman Numerals Cocktail Watch with two tone dial Cocktail watches became highly fashionable during the 1920s and 1930s, blending jewellery and watchmaking into elegant accessories designed for evening wear. Often crafted in precious metals with decorative dials and intricate bracelets, they reflected the glamour of the Art Deco era. Many were produced by specialist Swiss manufacturers and jewellers, sometimes without a prominently displayed brand name. Today, surviving examples are admired for their craftsmanship, delicate proportions and timeless vintage charm and they are definitely enjoying a resurgence in popularity. What's on Offer This charming 1930s ladies' cocktail watch is housed in a beautifully proportioned 9ct gold case and paired with an elegant elasticated gold-tone bracelet that suits the period perfectly. While no maker's name is visible on the dial or movement, the watch displays all the hallmarks of a quality Swiss-made ladies' timepiece from the era. The attractive two-tone dial is the standout feature, combining a silvered outer chapter ring with a finely textured gilt centre section. Bold black Roman numerals provide excellent contrast, while delicate blued-steel hands add a touch of refinement. The dial has aged naturally over the decades, creating a warm vintage character that collectors often seek. The compact round case is fully hallmarked 9ct gold (375) and features an elegant beaded bezel design. Inside sits a traditional hand-wound Swiss mechanical movement, visible when the hinged caseback is opened. The movement displays classic period finishing and remains a fascinating glimpse into pre-war Swiss watchmaking. Measuring approximately 26mm across and 30mm lug-to-lug, this is a wonderfully wearable vintage ladies' watch that effortlessly combines jewellery appeal with genuine horological heritage.

Historical context

Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)

The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.

The wristwatch overtook the pocket watch. Military use in the First World War, aviation, water-resistant cases (1926), automatic winding (1923–31), rectangular Art Deco designs and early chronographs and calendars defined the period.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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