Art Deco Timekeeper: The Craft of F. Steiner Watches

This 1935 F. Steiner Swiss ladies wristwatch, a platinum treasure, is a paragon of Art Deco elegance. It is adorned with 40 expertly cut diamonds, flanked by 44 emeralds and 44 onyx stones, creating a symphony of timeless beauty. The watch, meticulously restored with a new leather band, not only measures time but also exudes it, embodying an era that championed geometric sophistication and bold innovation. This piece transcends mere functionality, becoming a beacon of elegance and a timeless (pun intended) testament to the enduring allure of the 1930s.

Antique jewelry object group
ladies wrist watch

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
Switzerland

Style
Art Deco - Art Deco is an eclectic artistic and design style which had its origins in Paris in the first decades of the 20th century. The style originated in the 1920s and continued to be employed until after World War II. The term "art deco" first saw wide use after an exhibition in 1966, referring to the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes that was the culmination of high-end style modern in Paris. Led by the best designers in the decorative arts such as fashion, and interior design, Art Deco affected all areas of design throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including architecture and industrial design, as well as the visual arts such as painting, the graphic arts and film. At the time, this style was seen as elegant, glamorous, functional and modern.
See also: Art Deco
more info on styles

Style specifics
Abstract motives and geometrical forms are quite typical for the Art Deco period. Art Deco moved away from the soft pastels and organic forms of its style predecessor, Art Nouveau, and embraced influences from many different styles and movements of the early 20th century, including Neoclassical, Constructivism, Cubism, Modernism, and Futurism. Its popularity peaked in Europe during the Roaring Twenties and continued strongly in the United States through the 1930s. Although many design movements have political or philosophical roots or intentions, Art Deco was purely decorative.

Period
ca. 1935
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Material
platinum (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Extra information
Has been refurbished by watchmaker and the leather band is new.

Diamonds
40 single brilliant cut diamonds (also called 8/8) with an estimated weight of ± 0.80ct colour and clarity F/I, vs/i
All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since stones are not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Precious stones
44 emeralds We did not check if the emeralds are lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural sapphires and lab produced emeralds were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value.
44 onyx stones
It is a very common practice to treat gemstones to intensify their clarity or colour. The item in question has not been tested in this regard.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April, emerald for May and onyx for July.
more info on birthstones

Brand F.Steiner

Signature F.Steiner Geneve

Hallmarks
The hallmark is the head of chamois that was used in Switzerland since 1934 for local made platinum jewellery.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
dimensions case 3,32 cm (1,31 inch) x 1,68 cm (0,66 inch) (crown included), total length from end to end 22,50 cm (8,86 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
17,80 gram (11,45 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
20322-0032

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

Additional information
our latest acquisitions
jewelry glossary
wall of fame
visit us in Antwerp
subscribe to our mailinglist