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Although the authentic Art Deco watch finds its origin in the “Happy Twenties” following World War Ι, the design keeps popping up ever since. Naturally, remakes cannot compete with the Art Deco watches designed between 1920-1950. What makes these vintage watches so special?
By Berry Harleman - expert watches
From the Happy Twenties to the Great Depression
Art Deco was a style of arts, architecture and design popular in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by geometric forms and rich decorations. What makes Art Deco special is that its influence spread all over society: it was the first democratized art style. Art Deco was not only to be found in classical concepts of art -such as sculptures, architecture and literature- but also in everyday objects. Whether lamps or furniture, glasses or watches: art and design became part of everyday life.
After World War Ι the “happy years” take over from fear, distress and poverty. Economic growth and positiveness give a big boost to the arising Art Deco style, which results in a great diversity of luxury watches. But with the Stock Market Crash of 1929 this welfare and positiveness ends brutally. In Europe, fascism starts rising and pre-war tensions start changing society. The Art Deco style suffers a decline in popularity from the Great Depression in the early thirties until World War ΙΙ: pre-war recess turns luxury watches into an item of gaudiness.
But then, at last, World War ΙΙ comes to an end and societies are in need of positiveness, happiness and economic growth again. Art Deco reminds people of the “Happy Twenties” and that is just the kind of positive vibe society longs for: Art Deco watches regain popularity, especially in the USA. Since then, the distinct art style pops up occasionally in new designs and trends in Europe and the USA.
Freedom of design
You can recognize an Art Deco watch by its geometric shaped case, often rectangular or circular. Geometric forms can be found in even the slightest detail of decoration or functionality. As the Art Deco style was influenced by many different cultures -due to a new era of freedom and mobility- Art Deco watches can contain Aztecan based geometry, African primitive art figures and Japanese inspired lettering. An Art Deco watch from the 1920s to 1950s offers much more than just functionality, for they are small pieces of art designed to decorate.
This is probably why Art Deco watches are still so popular – interest is actually increasing. The elegance and decorative function of Art Deco watches provide a remarkable contrast with the fashion watches you find in stores nowadays: big, simplistic and all alike. Watchmakers in the Art Deco years experienced total freedom in design, which is why it is hard to find two Art Deco watches that are exactly the same.
The story behind your watch
Every Art Deco watch tells its own story. A watch designed in the ‘Happy Twenties’ will often be made of luxurious materials that, on top of its historical and authentical value, makes the watch worthwhile. Quality of case materials decreased after the 1929 Crash –stainless steel, for example, was replaced with chromed metal. Therefore you will not find many valuable Art Deco watches from the 1930s. However, many military watches are worth quite a lot despite of low quality cases; they tell incredible World War ΙΙ stories ánd still tell time…
Some vintage watches are still provided with the original, curved bombeé glass. But since bombeé glass is expensive to reproduce, most Art Deco watches you find on the market right now contain regular glass. Every watch has a different story to tell, whether in the form of scratches or replacements…
Inspired by the positiveness and rich history behind the Art Deco watches from 1920-1950? Take a look at our auctions! If you’re looking to sell one of these beauties, sign up here.