Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan Art Deco Pendant Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920-30s
This Art Deco pendant watch features a rectangular white dial with Arabic numerals and is powered by a movement by Charles-Henri Meylan. The case is constructed from platinum and features decorative millegrain detailing, a triangular bail, and a crown.
The watch is embellished with diamonds and calibré cut sapphires in a geometric arrangement. The pendant measures 2 inches in length, and it is accompanied by a 24-inch chain. The watch casing features an engraved border and the initials 'M.S.W.' on the case back. The movement was supplied by C.H. Meylan, a watchmaker who worked in both Europe and America. This object reflects design elements associated with the 1920s and 1930s, particularly the use of symmetric and geometric forms in jewelry and timekeeping instruments of that era.
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
- Date
- circa 1920-30s
- Type
- Pendant watch
- Maker
- Tiffany & Co. and C.H. Meylan
- Chain length
- 24 inches
- Case Material
- Platinum
- Movement maker
- Charles-Henri Meylan
- Pendant length
- 2 inches
- Maker / attribution
- Tiffany & Co.; C.H. Meylan
Design
- Visible features
- • Rectangular case with diamond and sapphire set border • Triangular shaped bail • Engraved initials 'M.S.W.' on the case back • Millegrain detailing on the platinum mount
- Movement and Maker
- The timekeeping mechanism is a movement manufactured by Charles-Henri Meylan. Meylan was a watchmaker recognized for his technical contributions to the industry, with a professional history spanning both Europe and America. He was known for supplying movements to several jewelry and watchmaking houses, including Tiffany & Co., as well as Dent and Frodsham. Meylan's work included advancements in the development of chronograph mechanisms, which were acknowledged during his career at the time of the American World's Fairs. His collaboration with Tiffany & Co. integrated his specialized horological movements into high-end decorative pieces of the early 20th century.
- Design and Construction
- The pendant watch is designed in the Art Deco style, featuring a rectangular platinum case. The dial is white and displays stylized Arabic numerals. The case construction incorporates decorative millegrain detailing, which provides texture to the platinum surfaces. A prominent triangular bail sits at the top of the watch, which serves as the connection point for the 24-inch chain. The bezel of the watch is set with diamonds and calibré cut sapphires, creating a geometric border around the dial.
- Case Back and Dimensions
- The reverse side of the pendant case features an engraved border pattern consistent with the decorative style applied to the front of the watch. Centered on the case back are the engraved initials 'M.S.W.' which suggest a potential original owner or historical provenance associated with the object. The object is scaled as a pendant, with the watch unit measuring 2 inches in total length. It is intended to be worn as a pendant on the provided 24-inch chain, maintaining the utility of a timekeeper within a decorative jewelry format.
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: The exact manufacture date is unspecified beyond the 1920-30s range
- Research required: The origin of the case manufacturer is not explicitly identified