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bul001
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14K Bulova wrist watch, runs
17 jewels unadjusted, mvmt marked 8AD, runs but not serviced, no band, 1inch lg X 7/8inch wd body
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elgwtch0001
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Elgin Lady & Tiger 14k enameled gold ladies wrist watch
This is a watch needing much to be said, arguably the most desirable American-made, Art Deco Design timepiece ever made. It is the 1928 Lady and Tiger model from the Elgin National Watch Co. of Elgin, Illinois, designed by the French designer Lucien Lelong in conjunction with the "Parisienne" series and, I would argue, its flagship timepiece. I cannot think of another 1920s ladies watch – Swiss or American – that is more coveted than the Lady & Tiger, a must have timepiece that once set a price record of $12,000 on eBay about three years ago.
The designer of this timepiece, Lucien Lelong (1889-1958), was a noted fashion designer in his day, training at the Hautes Etudes de Commerciales in Paris before opening his own business in the late 1910s. He was well-known for beautiful fabrics and understated dresses and evening wear and was a pioneer of ready-to-wear clothing, selling ready-made dresses that needed little adjustment at his Paris boutique. His customers included: Marie Duhamel, Colette, Jeanne Ternisien, Duchesse de la Rochefoucauld and Greta Garbo. In the late 1930s he designed tight-waisted, full-skirted dresses reminiscent of the upcoming New Look of Dior.
This particular example of the Lady & Tiger is in excellent condition inside and out, a triple-signed Elgin timepiece that features a 14k Solid White Gold, hinged-back case with multi-colored inlaid enameling. And not just any ordinary Art Deco enameling such as swirls or geometric patterns, for (as the name suggests) it boasts beautifully detailed images of a Flapper woman and a "fanged" Tiger facing each other, set within a fine yellow gold framing that separates the enameling.
This timepiece measures 30mm end to end and 17mm in width (19mm with original winding crown). Its original 15 Jewel Elgin mechanism winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. Note the white gold filigree clasp on the nice cloth ribbon strap, just what you want to see on a watch like this.
The dial is in excellent condition and without flaw – it is the original and it has not been restored. It displays a crisp gold 60 minute checkered outer track border, raised gold Arabic numerals and original gold Spade-style hands.
The original solid glass crystal is in very fine/near mint condition. The 14kt Solid White Gold case is hinged at the rear and in excellent order, complete with orange and black inlaid enameling depicting an Art Deco styled woman and equally impressive Tiger. Note also the fine engraved detailing that borders the dial.
Turning the watch over, note that the back lid is in excellent shape, absolutely no wear or personal engravings. Inside find a clean Fifteen Jewel triplex design, manual wind movement (Caliber 484, 18/0 Size) that is signed ELGIN, U.S.A – 15 JEWELS with serial number #31224522 – dating the mechanism to 1928 per published production records. The inside of the case lid is signed Cased and Timed by Elgin National Watch Co. – J. Milhening 14K – 47,959. Milhening was a Chicago retail Jeweler.
This extra nice and truly scarce Lelong design timepiece winds and sets smoothly while keeping great, accurate time. It is fitted with a probably original black grosgrain cloth ribbon strap with 14k White Gold Filled filigree engraved buckle for a complete package. It is of a good size and adjustable larger or smaller via the sliding clasp. It keeps good time while not having had it cleaned or lubricated. All in all an investment-grade watch that is as beautiful and unique as you could hope for…a true must have for the advanced collector or savvy investor, they aren’t making these anymore!
Circa: 1927
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plwth0001
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platinum diamond Geneve ladies wrist watch
18.4 grams gross weight, 88 full cut diamonds weighing approx. 1.6 carats total. working order, engraved on reverse, AJD, 17 jewel movement
Circa: 1925
Size: 6 1/2inch lg X 3/8inch wd
Country of Origin: CH
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