Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

1930s Benrus 14K White Gold Art Deco Diamond Skyscraper Wristwatch

$1,520
£1,148.01
€1,326.13
CA$2,141.46
A$2,293.51
CHF 1,232.97
MX$27,856
NOK 15,579.23
SEK 14,263.94
DKK 9,908.58

About the Item

Elegant late Art Deco Benrus wristwatch crafted in solid 14K white gold with striking stepped diamond-set shoulders inspired by classic skyscraper architecture. Powered by a high-grade Swiss 21 jewel movement that is running perfectly, this 1938–1940 example retains its original dial and period mineral-glass crystal. Fitted with a later mid-century Speidel stainless steel expansion band for comfortable wear. A refined and architectural example of late Art Deco design, this 1930s Benrus ladies’ wristwatch showcases the geometric glamour of the skyscraper era. The solid 14K white gold case features dramatic five-tier stepped diamond-set shoulders on each side of the dial, a silhouette directly inspired by the crown of the Chrysler Building and a hallmark of high-style American Deco jewelry. The watch houses a high-grade Swiss 21 jewel Benrus movement marked with the AXZ import code, a configuration associated with Benrus’s top-tier pre-war production. The movement is running perfectly, a rare distinction for Deco-era mechanical watches. The solid gold caseback retains its circular “Cased and Timed in 14 Karat Gold by the Benrus Watch Co.” medallion hallmark, a stamp used only on the company’s pre-WWII luxury models. The dial is original, with period triangular luminous markers and minimalist Deco numerals that reinforce the late-1930s aesthetic. The period mineral-glass crystal has an age-appropriate corner chip at the upper right and sits slightly proud of the bezel, consistent with hand-cut friction-fit crystals from this era. These characteristics are typical for original Deco crystals and do not affect function. The current expansion bracelet is a later Speidel replacement (patent 2,689,450, circa mid-1950s) crafted in stainless steel with a polished finish. It is not original to the watch but complements the stepped Deco case design and provides comfortable, secure wear. Details • Circa 1938–1940 • Solid 14K white gold case • Stepped five-tier diamond-set shoulders, 10 diamonds total, original stones • Swiss 21 jewel movement, AXZ import code • Running perfectly • Original dial with period luminous triangular markers • Period mineral-glass crystal with minor corner chip and slight bezel lift • Benrus solid gold pre-war medallion hallmark inside caseback • Later Speidel stainless steel expansion bracelet, patent 2,689,450 (circa 1954) • Fits a small to medium wrist, up to about 6.75" circumference • Minor cosmetic wear consistent with age A standout surviving example of Benrus’s luxury Art Deco line, combining strong architectural design with a high-grade movement and full early-period character. An excellent choice for collectors of Deco jewelry, American horological history, or pre-war design.
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Stone:
  • Stone Cut:
  • Strap Material:
    Stainless Steel
  • Case Shape:
    Square
  • Movement:
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1938-1940
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: The current expansion bracelet is a later Speidel replacement (patent 2,689,450, circa mid-1950s) crafted in stainless steel with a polished finish. It is not original to the watch but complements the stepped Deco case and provides comfortable wear.
  • Seller Location:
    North Attleboro, MA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3314227948002

More From This Seller

View All
1920s Ollendorff Platinum Diamond Art Deco Swiss Wristwatch, 2.0ct Total
Located in North Attleboro, MA
A masterpiece of 1920s Art Deco design, this platinum and diamond wristwatch by Ollendorff captures the height of Swiss craftsmanship and architectural glamour. With 56 diamonds tota...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Kinsley-Kovsky White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring, Circa 1930s
Located in North Attleboro, MA
A stunning 15-diamond Art Deco vintage engagement ring set in 14k white gold. The ring face steps up to three prong-set round diamonds in square settings...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco Diamond 18k White Gold Filigree Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Elegant Art Deco diamond engagement ring crafted in 18K white gold, circa the 1920s. Features a sparkling 0.35ct Old European cut diamond (G/VS1) in a prong-set mounting with intrica...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.52 Ct Diamond 18k White Gold Filigree Antique Engagement Ring, 1920s
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Unique antique Art Deco diamond 18k white gold engagement ring with a finely detailed shank. The Old European cut diamond solitaire is placed in an octagonal setting. The shoulders and shank have impressive milgrain and openwork filigree that transition to hand-engraved vines down the band. Marked 18K with the maker's hallmark of the capital letter B in a diamond-shaped cartouche. Circa 1920s. Approx. 0.52ct Old European cut solitaire diamond...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 1.5cttw Diamond + Sapphire 18k Gold Shield Cocktail Ring, 1920s
By Belais
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This authentic 1920s Art Deco ring by Belais features seven bright Old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.5 carats, framed by four natural calibré-cut blue sapphires. Cra...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Artemer 18K Gold Tapered Baguette Art Deco Diamond Tiara Ring, Wedding Band Sz 6
Located in North Attleboro, MA
A sleek, architectural take on the classic tiara silhouette, this Artemer diamond ring delivers refined geometry and modern luxury in one effortless gesture. The 18K yellow gold band...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

You May Also Like

Platinum White Gold Art Deco Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This stunning and very elegant oval 1920 Art Deco wrist watch features a platinum and Diamonds case along with the dial's stylized numerals. The white gold mesh band is smooth, sleek...
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Platinum Diamond Omega Ladies Wrist Watch Vintage Art Deco
Located in Greer, SC
" Lady's dress watch by Omega measures 6.5 inches long. It weighs 13.3 pennyweights. It has a rectangular platinum case measuring 13.62 by 13.21 mm with bead set round diamond lugs. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum 9ct White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in London, GB
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite vintage ladies watch, beautifully crafted in a combination of platinum case and 9ct white gold strap. Adorned with sparkling diamon...
Category

2010s British Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum and 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Watch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Art Deco diamond watch with platinum casing and 14K White Gold band. Metal: Platinum Case and 14K White Gold Weight: 13.5 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Platinum Art Deco Cocktail Watch, circa 1920 s
Located in London, GB
Boasting an impressive and dazzling diamond studded design, expertly crafted in precious platinum, this exquisite Art Deco ladies watch is the perfect timeless accessory for any spec...
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K White Gold Diamond Art-Deco 1930 s Swiss Ladies Dress Watch by Lavina
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This ladies' dress watch is from Art-Deco period, yet it's in beautiful vintage condition & in excellent working order. It features: 18K White Gold 15mm x 22mm Rectangle Case, d...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold