The 20s are back. Arguably it is the 2020s, not the 1920s, but as we know fashion often moves in a circular motion. With calls to bring back the Roaring 20s, it isn’t a surprise that trends from the beginning of the last century are coming back. A lot of brands have come out with collections influenced by the glitz and glamour of the 20s. We have compiled a list of women’s Art Deco-inspired watches to help you keep one step ahead of the curve.
We associate the Art Deco movement with that specific decade. It is almost an era of its own. When someone talks about Art Deco, a lot of us think of glamour, parties, fun and indulgence. A popular work referencing the 20s is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It became popular shortly before World War 1 and developed further throughout the 1930s. Art Deco is an architectural, fashion and general design style. In its early days, it was characterised by high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. In the beginning, it was an eclectic amalgamation of inspiration drawn from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. In its later stages, influenced by the war, Art Deco became what we know today. The style evolved into being characterized by sleek geometric shapes and polished surfaces.
Rotary | Ladies Black Leather Strap | Gold Case |
This Rotary watch is a classic example of a 1920s watch. Its design exudes high-end sophistication. The rectangle shape of the case was extremely popular at the beginning of the 20th century. The case is made of gold PVD plated stainless steel. A black leather strap with a texture imitating alligator leather adds to the model’s vintage aesthetic. The watches dial has a white flinque design. The indices are replaced by diamonds bordered in gold. A set of gold hours and minutes hands completed the design.
Michel Herbelin Womens Esprit Art Deco Steel Mesh Mother Of Pearl Dial
Another rectangular model, this Michel Herbelin watch has an Art Deco tone, while still keeping a distinctly modern appearance. The combination of Art Deco and contemporary gives the model its timeless appeal. The bracelet is stainless steel Milanese mesh. Though the mesh is still a relatively retro style choice, the design grounds the watch and gives it its elegant tone. In order to accentuate the high-end look the dial is mother-of-pearl and is set with crystals.
Frederique Constant | Ladies Art Deco Watch | Stainless Steel |
A graceful, feminine model, this Frederique Constant Watch perfectly embodies the later evolution of Art Deco, the Streamline Moderne. The polished stainless steel bracelet and ridged oval case give the watch its sophisticated silhouette. The rich dark blue dial is sectioned. The inner section is sunray with a flinque design. White Roman-numeral hour-markers contrast the matt navy dial. White Breguet hands complete the design.
Frederique Constant Women’s Art Déco | Two-Tone Steel Bracelet |Mother Of Pearl
This Frederique Constant watch has a classic silhouette but features modern touches added to elevate the design and make it more contemporary. The dual-tone bracelet and the round case are stainless steel with rose gold PVD plated accents and a rose gold-coloured bezel. The dial is where the Art Deco inspiration truly shines. As with the previous Frederique Constant model, the white dial is sectioned with the inner section having a flinque pattern. The outer section is mother-of-pearl in order to add to the high-end style. Black Roman numerals and Breguet hands contrast the dial and keep the watch looking classy.
Oris Artelier Skeleton 33mm Mens Watch
A more modern interpretation of the Art Deco movement, Oris have subtly included vintage elements to this model, retaining the contemporary look while giving it a unique retro twist. Even though this watch is a men’s model, 2020 trends lean towards androgynous fashion. The watch’s 33 mm case makes this watch appropriate for women to wear as well. This also continues the early 20th-century trend of women adopting men’s clothing and shorter hairstyles in protest to beauty norms at the time and to show their independence. The strap is made of beige leather. The case is round and made of stainless steel. It has an exhibition case back protected by a mineral crystal. The dial features a guilloche pattern as well as a window allowing an easy look into the intricate mechanism of the watch.
Which of these women’s Art Deco-inspired watches is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
