Swiss 20K White Gold Art Deco Wrist Watch with Sapphire Accents
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1930
This Art Deco tonneau-shaped wristwatch was retailed by Canadian jeweller Henry Birks & Sons circa 1930. The piece is housed in a decorative 20K white gold case engraved with scrollwork motifs and set with eight square-cut sapphires, complemented by a sapphire cabochon crown.
Its silvered dial is signed 'BIRKS' and marked 'MADE IN SWITZERLAND' along the lower perimeter, displaying stylized Arabic numerals, an inner geometric track, and blued hands. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a Swiss 17-jewel manual-wind calibre 246 movement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Jewellery & cocktail watch
- Movement
- 17 jewel manual wind calibre 246
- Dimensions
- 39mm lug to lug by 16mm width
- Stock Number
- SSHO 2256
- Case Material
- 20K white gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Retailer / Maker
- Henry Birks & Sons
- Maker / attribution
- Henry Birks & Sons
Design
- Visible features
- • Elongated tonneau-shaped silvered dial printed with stylized Art Deco Arabic numerals and signed 'BIRKS' • Lower dial edge bears visible text 'MADE IN SWITZERLAND' • Faceted and engraved white gold bezel set with six square-cut blue sapphires, plus one sapphire on each openwork lug • Fluted winding crown set with a dark blue cabochon stone • Mounted on a black twisted cord strap threaded through pierced, engraved decorative lugs
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The watch displays a silvered dial signed 'BIRKS' and printed with stylized Arabic numerals. The lower perimeter of the dial bears the text 'MADE IN SWITZERLAND'. Time is indicated by blued hands, and the dial features an inner geometric track.
- Movement and Attribution
- The watch is attributed to Henry Birks & Sons of Canada, with the origin noted as Switzerland. The seller states the watch contains a 17-jewel manual-wind calibre 246 movement. The production period is identified by the seller as circa 1930.
- Case and Exterior Construction
- The timepiece features a tonneau-shaped case described as 20K white gold, featuring decorative engravings. The watch incorporates eight square-cut sapphires set into the bezel and lugs, alongside a sapphire-set winding crown. The watch is mounted on a black cord strap, which passes through pierced, engraved decorative lugs.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Internal calibre 246 movement and interior case hallmarks are not pictured in the listing
- Research required: Stated 20K gold purity and genuine sapphire identification rely solely on dealer description