Vintage Elgin Art Deco Cocktail Watch with Marcasite Bracelet
Dress Watch (Ladies Cocktail Watch) · Elgin National Watch Company, American manufacturer, historically a major mid-range to premium brand
Period: Art Deco / Retro Period (1930s-1940s)
Type
Dress Watch (Ladies Cocktail Watch)
Brand
Elgin National Watch Company, American manufacturer, historically a major mid-range to premium brand
Movement
Mechanical manual-wind vintage Elgin movement, typically a small tonneau or round shaped caliber with around 15-17 jewels, operating at 18,000 vph
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 14-16mm, thickness around 8mm, lug-to-lug approximately 25-28mm, custom integrated bracelet width
Description
This exquisite vintage ladies' cocktail watch by Elgin blends the fine art of jewelry making with traditional timekeeping. The piece features a striking geometric white metal case and an elaborate integrated bracelet entirely encrusted with sparkling marcasite stones. Designed to resemble an opulent piece of fine jewelry rather than a pure functional tool, the tiny, elegant dial is quietly tucked into the center of the design, making it the ultimate evening accessory for formal vintage attire.
Key Features
Elaborate marcasite-set integrated bracelet, tiny decorative dial, geometric Art Deco case architecture, vintage manual-wind mechanical movement, safety chain on the clasp
Dial Description
Off-white or silvered dial with dark printed Arabic numerals at the quarter hours, baton or dot markers for the remaining hours, and simple classic hands
Case Material
White metal base metal or sterling silver, highly decorated with marcasite stones in a geometric floral cluster pattern
Crystal Type
Acrylic or glass crystal, faceted to catch the light, typical of mid-century cocktail timepieces
Bezel Details
Integrated geometric bezel studded with shimmering marcasite stones, framing the small dial
Crown & Pushers
Small, plain push-pull crown located at the 3 o'clock position
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated articulated silver-tone bracelet heavily embellished with row-set marcasite crystals in a repeating bow or bow-knot pattern, secured with a fold-over clasp and safety chain
Caseback Details
Solid snap-on case back, typically made of stainless steel or base metal, plain or with minimal vintage service markings
Movement Type
Mechanical manual-wind vintage Elgin movement, typically a small tonneau or round shaped caliber with around 15-17 jewels, operating at 18,000 vph
Water Resistance
None (0 ATM). Not water-resistant; vintage design predates modern water-resistance standards and features open joints susceptible to moisture damage
Origin & Provenance
United States (Elgin, Illinois), utilizing American-made or Swiss-assembled components common for mid-20th-century ladies' watches
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s to 1950s
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the mid-20th century, where middle-class consumers could access jewelry-grade watches featuring popular gemstones like marcasite as a substitute for diamonds.
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition. The marcasite stones appear mostly intact with standard age-related patina on the metal finish. The dial shows minor aging consistent with mid-century timepieces. The manual-wind movement requires professional inspection and servicing for accurate timekeeping.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market value ranges from $100 to $300 USD, heavily dependent on working condition, metal purity, and whether all original marcasite stones are present
Care & Maintenance
Handle with care due to delicate vintage construction and marcasite setting. Avoid all contact with water and moisture. Manual-wind the crown gently until resistance is felt; do not overwind. Professional servicing by a vintage watchmaker every 5-7 years is recommended.
Similar Watches
Vintage Bulova cocktail watches, vintage Hamilton ladies' diamond and marcasite watches, Gruen Curvex ladies' models
Interesting Facts
During the Art Deco period, watches for women were primarily viewed as pieces of high jewelry. Brands like Elgin produced intricate cocktail watches where the primary goal was to disguise the timepiece within a luxurious bracelet, allowing women to check the time discreetly.