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Gem-Set Mechanical “Stealing Time” Brooch Watch C.1960s
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18kt Gold
Gem-Set Mechanical “Stealing Time” Brooch Watch C.1960s
$8,115.47
£5,950
€6,914.43
CA$11,182.71
A$12,200.04
CHF 6,459.85
MX$146,191.26
NOK 82,269.76
SEK 75,229.59
DKK 51,629
About the Item
1960s 18kt Gold
Gem-Set Mechanical “Stealing Time” Brooch Watch
A bold and humorous piece of wearable art, this vintage brooch from the 1960s depicts a safecracker mid-heist, dramatically frozen in time — literally. Crafted in solid 18kt gold, this unique lapel brooch cleverly conceals a miniature mechanical watch inside the door of the jewelled safe, making it a rare crossover between high horology and witty mid-century design.
The piece is thought to be an American creation, possibly linked to whimsical jewellery ateliers such as Henry Dunay or David Webb, who were known for narrative-driven, figural designs of the post-war era. It’s also thematically aligned with pieces made in the spirit of Arthur King and other bold designers of the 1960s and ’70s.
The brooch’s concept – a thief cracking open a diamond-set vault that hides a ticking timepiece – is a brilliant play on the idea of "stealing time." It captures the era’s fascination with gadgetry, surrealism, and wearable conversation pieces.
Specifications
Origin: American or European, circa 1960s
Metal: 18kt yellow gold with white gold accents
Weight: 30 grams
Dimensions: 4.8 cm (length) x 3.5 cm (height)
Mechanism: Manual-wind watch integrated inside safe door
Gemstones
Diamonds
5 stones (round brilliant
baguette cut)
Approx. 0.16 carats total
Colour: G–H
Clarity: VS1
Rubies
4 square-cut stones
Approx. 0.08 carats total
Sapphires
6 square-cut stones
Approx. 0.12 carats total
Treatments not indicated
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of use. The mechanical watch remains intact and winds smoothly, works completely fine, however timekeeping has not been tested.
- Metal:Gold,18k Gold
- Weight:30 g
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:1960-1969
- Date of Manufacture:1960 s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Braintree, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU929325911132
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