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Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

Art Nouveau — generally considered to have begun in the late 1800s and ended with the start of World War I — was a movement in the decorative arts that drew inspiration from natural forms, such as trees, flowers and, of course, the human figure. The three main themes present in Art Nouveau jewelry and watches were flora, fauna and women.

Art Nouveau, which reached its pinnacle in the year 1900, spawned from artists who rejected the historicism of their predecessors to create an entirely new visual vocabulary. As compared to Art Deco jewelry’s geometric patterns and sharp lines, the extravagant style of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is characterized by curvilinear forms and whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery.

The first art and design movement of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was also a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, and took its inspiration from the theories of the Symbolists, the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, the ideas of John Ruskin and his follower William Morris and, most importantly Japanese crafts. (The country was a fertile ground for inspiration after it was opened to the West in 1854.) The Art Nouveau style touched all manners of the arts, including the most exultant jewelry.

Nature was a favorite muse for artists going back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the hands of 20th-century artists, it was depicted in new ways. For example, a withering flower was considered just as beautiful as one in full bloom. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also a popular subject. Dragonflies and butterflies were particular favorites because they morphed so dramatically in different life stages.

This was also a reference to women, whose role in society was evolving. It was not uncommon to see a piece of jewelry that would at once reference a woman as a winged creature (think René Lalique’s famous Dragonfly brooch, circa 1897–98, at the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon). However, just as women’s roles were ambiguous, so was their image, as the femmes nouvelle were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized.

In addition to Lalique, vital figures in Art Nouveau jewelry included Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States, Vladimir Soloviev, who designed jewelry for Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia, Fuset Grau of Spain, Karl Rothmuller of Germany and Philippe Wolfers of Belgium.

Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone — its iridescence harmonized perfectly with the enamel, and it could be carved into any shape. Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold.

Find a range of antique Art Nouveau jewelry today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Art Nouveau
Pequignet French gold-plated Black quartz wristwatch, vintage
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
Elegant and timeless French watch from the prestigious fine watchmaking house Pequignet Pequignet - Gold-Plated Quartz Watch - CASE: Good condition, glass in very good condition. - B...
Category

1980s French Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet Covered Dial Watch
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1910-1919 Provenance: France Circumference: 18 cm Weight: 126 gr Il bracciale in oro 18 carati è stato realizzato tra il 1910 e il 1919, in perfetto stile Art Nouveau, un mo...
Category

1910s French Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Philippe Charriol Quartz Watch w Date 12395
Located in New York, NY
Philip Charriol Cable Twist Watch Good Working order. SLight Scuffs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Hirsch Watch Company Silver with Diamonds Early Wrist Watch, circa 1900 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hirsch Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Nouveau METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver with Diamonds CIRCA / YEAR: 1890's / 1900 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Diameter 26mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 13 Jewels...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Antique Art Nouveau Ladies Wrist Watch, Platinum with Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Art Nouveau ladies watch, platinum with diamonds. Case and strap are studded with diamonds throughout. Manual wind movement. Very good con...
Category

1910s Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Hermes Faubourg Joaillerie watch white gold and diamonds
Located in London, England
Hermes Diamond-set white gold watch, quartz movement, diamond-set white gold dial, bracelet in diamond-set white gold. 18ct White Gold Diamond-set white gold case, 16 mm, set with ...
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Lorett-Corletto Lady’s Wrist Watch
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lorett Corletto Lady’s Wrist Watch. It depicts an 18K/750 white gold round case with beige color dial that has stick “numerals” and color hour/minute hands. An acrylic mate...
Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Breguet Yellow Gold Pin Set Manual Wind Watch, circa 1900 s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Breguet Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Round / Pin Setting METAL / MATERIAL: 18 Kt Yellow Gold DIMENSIONS: Length 37mm X Diameter 32mm CIRCA: 1900's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 19 Jewels...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Leather Cuff Watch in 18kt. Gold with Rose Cut Diamond Bezel
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Leather Cuff Watch STYLE / REFERENCE: Custom Made METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1900's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Len...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Elegant and sculptural, this Patek Philippe La Flamme Ref. 4815/003 showcases the brand’s mastery of both jewelry artistry and fine watchmaking. Crafted in solid 18K white gold, the ...
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Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Chopard Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond "H" Quartz Wristwatch
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1990s Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Breitling Crosswind Special A44355 White Dial Brown Leather Strap 44mm
Located in San Diego, CA
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Early 2000s Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Ebel Men s Classic Stainless Steel Wrist Watch Model E9187F41
By Ebel
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Swiss made with contemporary sport watch design, Ebel Classic Stainless Steel Men's / Unisex Watch Model Number E9187F41. The stainless steel watch case size is 37mm and wrist size i...
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Early 2000s Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Stainless Steel

Corum Ladies Stainless Steel Diamond Bubble Quartz Wristwatch
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). CORUM - a lady's Bubble wrist watc...
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Stainless Steel, Steel

Tiffany Company 1920s Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Tiffany & Company retailed Platinum and Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch, 18 x 18 M.M. Cushion shape case with Hand Engraving work and single cut Diamonds set into the bezel. F...
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1920s Swiss Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Diamond, Platinum

Hublot Big Bang Unico 421.NX.5170.RX Titanium Blue Dial 44mm Watch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Hublot Big Bang Unico 421.NX.5170.RX Titanium Blue Dial 44mm Watch This stunning Hublot 421.NX.5170.RX Big Bang Unico Watch is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! Brand: H...
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Titanium

Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K Yellow Gold Quartz Men’s Watch Ref. 3954
Located in New York, NY
This refined Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3954 embodies the purity and elegance that define the Calatrava line. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the watch features a clean white lacquer ...
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Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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...
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1920s Unknown Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Patek Philippe Twenty 4 4920R-001 Diamond Bezel Chocolate Dial 18K Rose Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 4920R-001 Model: Patek Philippe Twenty 4 Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: Satin Bezel: 18K Rose Gold & Diamond Bezel Dial: Chocolate Dial with Diamond Hour Markers...
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2010s Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Omega 18 Karat Gold Constellation Observatory Chronometer, circa 1950-1960
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Omega Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Constellation Chronometer METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1950 / 60's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm x 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Automatic Winding / 19 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered Dial / Gold Dauphine Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of Omega's legendary watches, the Constellation. The watch is adjusted to 5 positions and 3 temperature adjustments as well. As can be seen, the movement is automatic and beautifully finished. This was Omega's flagship watch and this example, movement and case is exceptional in condition. The dial is original and nicely patinated with unusual markers. You can wear this watch all the time for all different types of occasions. We sold this watch in our family jewelry store when it first came out. S. Shonholtz & Sons was one of the first jewelers on the West Coast to carry the Omega line. Omega was one of our finest sellers and this Constellation model...
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Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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18k Gold

Cartier 1990 Montre Or Jaune Baignoire PM Yellow Gold Casque d Or Bracelet Watch
Located in PARIS, FR
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1990s French Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Carrera Y Carrera 18K Watch Adam and Eve Figural Quartz Movement 18K Yellow Gold
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1980s Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Art Nouveau Floral Pocket Watch of 14k Gold
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c. 1910 Patek Philippe Vintage Unisex Chronometro Gondolo Fancy Dial Watch
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1910s Swiss Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Riker Brothers Art Nouveau Opal and Sapphire Pocket Watch Brooch 14 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
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Cartier Baignoire pink Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
Located in London, England
Cartier Baignoire XL pink Gold Diamond Ladies Watch. CARTIER Baignoire Watch18K rose Gold, pink mat crocodile straps. Manual winding Cartier Baignoire lady's wristwatch. Oval case i...
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Omega Cocktail - Vintage White Gold Diamond Manual Wind Ladies Watch
Located in Antwerp, BE
Up for sale is this beautiful Swiss Made 18k White Gold and Diamond Ladies' cocktail watch with reference number 7256, made by Omega and dating back to 1969 based on its serial number. The watch case measures approximately 16.5mm in diameter, is crafted from solid 18k white gold, and seamlessly flows over into the white gold mesh bracelet. The factory set diamond bezel contains 20 high quality brilliant cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.4ct. The dial is kept to its bare minimum: simplistic hour markers combined with a vertically brushed silver tone dial and baton shaped hands create a minimalist watch face. Behind the solid gold case back we find the beating heart of this watch: a mechanical hand-winding Omega movement with caliber reference 650. Thanks to the incorporation of this movement, the watch case can be kept as thin as 6mm. For such a sleek and refined watch, its total weight still adds up to about 36.5 grams. The watch is sold as pre-owned and vintage, however it still is in good condition considering its age. You will find wear marks on the case and bracelet, but no coarse damage. The case has been cleaned thoroughly, but was left unpolished to maintain its original edges and curves. The sapphire crystal looks unscathed to the naked eye. The crown is original and signed with the Omega logo. The movement was freshly serviced, and is working perfectly. Please study the pictures in this listing well: they show the watch in the condition that it is in, with no digital enhancements to make it look better than it is. We are sure that you like honesty, and so do we. Please do note that the clasp has a small adjustment setting, but the bracelet on this watch is otherwise not drastically resizable. Ideally, the watch fits wrists with a circumference between 16 and 17.5cm. Accompanying the watch is its lovely original clamshell Omega presentation box, but sadly no paperwork is present with this piece. Your new timepiece will be packaged with great care, and will be shipped out as fast as possible. We usually ship the same day your payment comes in, and provide full insurance as well as a tracking code for all of our packages. If you have any questions regarding the item or our services, please do not hesitate to reach out. We'll gladly assist as soon as we get the chance. Brand : Omega Movement : Manual Winding - Omega 650 Year of production : 1969 (Approximation) Case : 18k White Gold Case Diameter : 16.5mm Case Thickness: 6mm Bracelet material : 18k White Gold Bracelet length : Between 16 and 17.5cm Clasp : Jewellery Clasp Clasp material : 18k White Gold Original box, no original papers Water resistance : not water resistant Condition : The condition of the watch can be seen on the pictures. Please study them carefully and be your own judge. The potential present scratches have come over the years as with all vintage...
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1960s Swiss Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

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Elgin Nickel Watch
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign Style / W. W. 1 Trench Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel CIRCA / YEAR: 1917 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 40mm...
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1910s American Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Vintage Platinum Diamond 17 Jewel Acoro Wrist Watch Bracelet Working Condition
Located in Eagan, MN
This watch is really gorgeous! It is currently working when wound and keeps accurate time. The watch mechanism was made by the Acoro company and is 17 jewel. It is also marked as ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Platinum

Patek Philippe 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Wristwatch with Enamel Dial, circa 1920
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant / Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1910's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 37mm x 32mm MOVEMEN...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Wristwatch with Enamel Dial, circa 1920
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe & Cie. STYLE / REFERENCE: Pendant / Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1910's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 37mm x 32mm MOVEMEN...
Category

1910s Swiss Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Platinum Pearls Emerald Enamel Diamonds Ladies Watch Art Nouveau, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Platinum and Pearls with Emerald Enamel and Diamonds Ladies Watch. Delicate and beautiful Platinum Vintage watch with a big Enamel dial for its time. 1930. Emerald Сabochon installed...
Category

1930s Vintage Art Nouveau Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum, Enamel